U2, Elton, Kendrick, Miley, Sam Smith, added to 2018 Grammys performers’ list

With Grammy viewing in the United States rising steadily in the last two years, organisers of The Recording Academy have pulled out all stops to make this year’s 60th anniversary edition as superstar-heavy as possible.

U2, Elton John, Kendrick Lamar (who’s leading with seven nominations this year), Sam Smith and Miley Cyrus are the latest of the major additions to the January 28 show at Madison Square Garden in New York City

They join the previously announced P!nk, Bruno Mars, Cardi B, SZA, Lady Gaga, Little Big Town, Childish Gambino, Daddy Yankee, Luis Fonsi, Kesha, Alessia Cara, Khalid, Logic, Patti LuPone and Ben Platt.

Cyrus will join Elton John for one of his classics.

Sir Elton, along with writing partner Bernie Taupin, is to receive the Recording Academy President’s Merit Award.

Two days after the Grammys, the Academy will hold Elton John: I’m Still Standing — A GRAMMY Salute, where Smith, Cyrus and others will pay tribute to the Rocket Man.

It will be screened globally, including in Australia, later in the year.

The week leading up to the Grammys will also feature high profile performers: Eminem, Dave Matthews, Childish Gambino, Thirty Seconds to Mars and The National are part of the "Citi Sound Vault" from January 24-28 at Irving Plaza in New York City.

This is the first time that the Grammys are held in New York since 2003.

“To celebrate the 60th anniversary in New York City is just wonderful. The way it should be – the universe got it right this time," exclaimed John Poppo, chair of The Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees, during a Recording Academy luncheon.

The 2017 edition of the Grammys grew to 26 million in the United States.

This topped the ratings from the past two years, up 4% in viewing numbers and 1% in the key 18-49 demographic.