Adele Messes Up George Michael Tribute, Apologizes In Acceptance Speech
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Grammy award winner Adele took the stage for a tribute to George Michael, but shocked everyone when she stopped short.
The singer swore and apologized before restarting the song.
"I'm sorry for swearing and I'm sorry for starting again," Adele said. "I can't mess this up for him."
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The crowd cheered as she started to sing again, accompanied by an orchestra as images of the late British singer-songwriter were projected on large screens.
She finished to a thunderous standing ovation with many in the audience appearing near tears.
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Adele herself had tears in her eyes as she mouthed a thank-you.
People quickly took to Twitter, including some of the stars in attendance. Many showed their support, saying mistakes happen.
A short time later, an apologetic Adele has accepted the song of the year Grammy for "Hello," sharing it with the song's writer and producer, Greg Kurstin.
"First of all I really do apologize for swearing," she began her acceptance speech, adding Michael meant so much to her that she didn't want to slight him with a poor performance.
The song-of-the-year award also credits songwriters, so Adele shared the honor with Kurstin, who joined her onstage.
He barely had time to thank his parents, however, before the orchestra played them off.
Capping the night, Adele took home the awards for record of the year ("Hello") and album of the year ("25").
She cried during her final acceptance speech and spoke directly to Beyonce, who was up against her in both categories.
"We all (expletive) adore you," she said as Beyonce sat in the audience smiling.
Accepting the record-of-the-year Grammy for "Hello," Adele let the song's writer, Greg Kurstin, do most of the talking after shouting at the orchestra, "You cut us off last time."
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