LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 11: Recording Artist Stevie Wonder performs onstage at the 2011 MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute to Barbra Streisand held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 11, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty ImagesLegendary R&B artist Stevie Wonder will perform a special tribute in honor of broadcast veteran Dick Clark at Sunday’s American Music Awards.
Joining the singer in recognizing the late Clark, who founded the AMAs in 1972, is protege Ryan Seacrest, who is scheduled to introduce the performance.
PHOTOS: American Music Awards 2012: The Nominees
In announcing the tribute, Seacrest noted that Clark was “a mentor, friend and a wonderful advocate for popular music, helping make it one of the cornerstones of American culture,” adding, “We miss him dearly.”
Wonder joins previously announced performers Christina Aguilera, Carrie Underwood, No Doubt, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Psy for Sunday’s show, which is broadcast live from Los Angeles’ Nokia Theatre on ABC.
AUDIO: Justin Bieber on Selena Gomez Split: ‘I Don’t Even Know What’s Going on in My Life’
Says longtime AMA producer Larry Klein: “Without a Dick Clark, our entire current musical repertoire might be classical in nature. Not that there’s anything wrong with classical music, but Clark helped Beethoven roll over and tell Tchaikovsky the news. Sunday’s tribute to Dick Clark performed by the iconic Stevie Wonder is going to be talked about for years to come.”
Twitter: @THRMusic
