Katy Perry criticized for appearing to try and upstage Dolly Parton during Grammys tribute
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The 2019 Grammy Awards featured a 10-minute all-star tribute to Dolly Parton, but one performer was criticized by some on social media for appearing to try and upstage the country music legend: Katy Perry.
Perry, decked out in red and gold cowgirl attire, and country singer Kacey Musgraves began the tribute with a rendition of Parton's 1977 "Here You Come Again," when Parton walked on stage to join them.
The three singers traded lines from the song, but Perry belted out a few notes that seemed just outside her range and came off "pitchy," as was described by some. Social media users weighed in, criticizing Perry for ruining the performance.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I've seen war. I've seen violence. But I’ve never witnessed anything close to the barbaric murder Katy Perry just committed on @DollyParton," wrote one Twitter user.
Others questioned why Perry, a pop singer, was selected to accompany country musicians for a tribute to Parton. After the first song, the tribute carried on relatively unscathed with a medley of Parton's other songs performed by Miley Cyrus, Maren Morris, and Little Big Town.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The musical celebration of Parton's achievements and philanthropic work marked the first country artist to be saluted in the tribute's 29-year history.
The tribute was not the first Parton had performed with Perry on stage. The two previously sang together during the 2016 American Country Music Awards.