Madonna and Beyonce appear to have their eyes locked on the Grammy stage.
The pop superstars are expected to be among the big surprise moments during next week’s ceremony, according to two sources with knowledge of the plans.
Late last year Beyonce pulled off one of the best-kept secrets in recent music history when she stealthily released her self-titled album without as much as a hint.
The Grammys is where she will make her first televised performance in support of the project — which shattered iTunes records upon its release in December — according to a source with knowledge of the matter.
Madonna, however, is expected to pop up and lend guest vocals during a performance from one of the night’s nominees, an additional source confirmed.
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Longtime Grammy Awards show producer Ken Ehrlich said he “can’t confirm” an appearance from Beyonce during an interview with Pop & Hiss to preview the show. Ehrlich didn’t confirm or deny Madonna’s involvement.
“Let’s put it this way … we have a really great history that goes back to the early days of Destiny’s Child,” Ehrlich added. “I love working with [Beyonce]. She’s incredible. She is so into what it is that she does and making sure that everybody who sees her walks away saying, ‘wow.’ ”
“Should she be on the show this year?” he continued. “I would think that the potential is there for that kind of moment.”
Other Grammy performers include Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr; Daft Punk with Nile Rodgers, Pharrell Williams and Stevie Wonder; Kendrick Lamar with Imagine Dragons; Lorde; Katy Perry; Pink and Fun’s Nate Ruess; Robin Thicke and Chicago; Macklemore & Ryan Lewis; Kacey Musgraves; John Legend; Taylor Swift; Keith Urban and Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson and Blake Shelton.
Reps for Madonna and Beyonce had yet to return requests for comment.
The Grammy telecast airs at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time Jan. 26.
