LOS ANGELES — After years away from the public eye, Tracy Chapman is set to make a comeback with a special performance at the Grammy Awards. Sources have confirmed that Chapman will join country star Luke Combs for a duet of her hit song “Fast Car” during Sunday’s ceremony. The unexpected appearance comes as a surprise to many, as Chapman has only performed publicly three times since her last tour in 2009. Despite the popular demand to capitalize on the success of “Fast Car,” the singer had previously resisted the pressure.
Luke Combs gained widespread recognition with his cover of “Fast Car” last year, which ranked as the fifth biggest song in the US in 2023. The rendition topped various music charts and was a crossover hit for the country superstar. It seems that Chapman has expressed support for Combs’ version while maintaining a low profile. It is worth noting that Combs obtained permission from Chapman to release the single, although he could have done so without her consent.
Although Chapman’s original 1988 version of “Fast Car” peaked at No. 6 on the Hot 100, it reached the top 5 in the United Kingdom twice. Despite the song’s massive success across demographics, Chapman has chosen to remain out of the public eye since its resurgence last year. However, she did release a statement expressing gratitude for the recognition her song has received after 35 years since its debut.
As anticipation builds for this unique Grammy performance, representatives for the Recording Academy have not commented on Chapman’s appearance. Regardless, fans and music enthusiasts alike are excited to see Tracy Chapman return to the spotlight and share the stage with Luke Combs.