Grammys ceremony presents 3D tribute to Michael Jackson

As part of a salute to the late Michael Jackson at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards on January 31, an all-star lineup will perform along with the star’s voice on “Earth Song,” a special 3D mini-movie created by Jackson for the This Is It tour, to be shown in its entirety.

This is the first time an awards show will broadcast in 3D. The show-stopping segment will feature previous Grammy winners Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Smokey Robinson, Carrie Underwood, and Usher singing along with the film projected on a giant LED screen, which will also show photos of Jackson during the homage.

“Earth Song” debuted in the UK at number one in 1995 and was his best-selling single with over one million copies. It was also a top five hit in most European countries. From Jackson’s HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I album, the ballad was never released as a single in the US.

With a strong message about environmentalism and endangered animal welfare, an important cause to Jackson, the powerful operatic feel of the song fits the lush  video, shot in four locations – the Amazonian Rainforest, Croatia, Tanzania, and America.

Another emotional moment in the awards show involves a performance concerning earthquake relief in Haiti. In addition, the production plans to pair Lady Gaga with another performer, with a similar surprise guest to play with Taylor Swift.

For the event, CBS Television has partnered with US retailer Target to exclusively offer millions of 3D Grammy glasses free-of-charge, available January 24-31, for the home viewer. The performance and film can also be enjoyed without 3D glasses.

The 2010 Grammy Awards will televise live from  the Staples Center in Los Angeles, January 31 at 8 p.m. ET.