February 08, 2009
Hollywood Pays Tribute to Neil Diamond
The music industry's finest came together onstage Saturday night to pay tribute to music great Neil Diamond -- and perform their versions of his hit songs at MusiCares.
Fresh off her moving Super Bowl performance, Jennifer Hudson received a standing ovation for her rendition of "Holly Holy" -- and brought the entire audience of 1,500 to their feet. She waved at the crowd and mouthed "thank you" before leaving the stage.
Josh Groban talked with People magazine about Hudson performing again after the October deaths of three of her family members. "I think music can heal a lot of wounds and it's really cool that she's showing the courage to come out here tonight and do this."
The Jonas Brothers, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill were all among the crooners who took the stage to honor Diamond and the MusiCares benefit, which helps struggling musicians.
Neil, who auctioned off some of his personal items at the benefit, told People he was elated to have the night dedicated to him. "It's a big honor. There's no question about it! It's totally unexpected but I'm loving every minute of this! ... I'm just going to sit back and enjoy myself!"
