Amy Winehouse is no longer physically here, but her presence will surely be felt at Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards.
Legendary singer Tony Bennett, 85, will return to the VMAs for the first time since 1993 to pay homage to the late singer, an MTV spokesperson tells Rolling Stone.
Bennett, who recorded “Body and Soul” with Winehouse for his Duets II album (out Sept. 20), will introduce video footage from their March recording session in London, as well as additional performers who have yet to be announced. (It’s rumored that Adele and Lady Gaga may be involved.)
“It was a thrill to record with Amy Winehouse,” Bennett said in a statement. “When you listen to the recording of ‘Body and Soul,’ it is a testament to her artistic genius and her brilliance as one of the most honest musicians I have ever known.”
Proceeds from the track will go to the Amy Winehouse Foundation.
In a statement, the singer’s father, Mitch, says his “family is honored that the VMAs are giving Amy this wonderful tribute. We know that Amy’s performance of ‘Rehab’ at the MTV Movie Awards played an important part in Amy’s worldwide success.”
On Tuesday, toxicology reports confirmed that the 27-year-old singer died drug-free in London on July 23.
“Results indicate that alcohol was present but it cannot be determined as yet if it played a role in her death,” Winehouse’s family said in a statement. “The family would like to thank the police and coroner for their continuing thorough investigations and for keeping them informed throughout the process. They await the outcome of the inquest in October.”
