Blake Shelton to Host Elvis All-Star Tribute Special on NBC

This marks 50 years since Presley's own television special.

Written by Lauren Laffer
Blake Shelton to Host Elvis All-Star Tribute Special on NBC
Blake Shelton; Phaoto via Facebook

50 years after his Comeback Special Elvis Presley’s music and legacy will be celebrated with a two-hour television event, the Elvis All-Star Tribute. Hosted by Blake Shelton, the concert will air on NBC on Sunday, Feb. 17 at 9 p.m. EST.

NBC unveiled plans for the Ken Ehrlich-produced special, originally called The 50th Anniversary of the Elvis Comeback Special, in May.

Elvis Presley

ELVIS ALL-STAR TRIBUTE — Pictured: “Elvis All-Star Tribute” Key Art — (Photo by: NBC)

“I can remember sitting in front of my television set and watching the Elvis special,” said Ehrlich. “I already knew that I could never do what he did as an artist, but seeing that show had a great deal to do with my dreams of having a career in television production.”

While details on the star-studded lineup have yet to be revealed, Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town shared a teaser photo of the Elvis backdrop back in October. In scanning social media, Carrie Underwood, Shawn Mendes and Ed Sheeran all pop up as possible additions, but nothing has been officially confirmed by the artists or NBC.

 

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Rehearsing a little something special today. Wearing my favorite @rachelcomey set, boots @ragandbone

A post shared by Karen Fairchild (@karenfairchild) on

In addition to musical performances, the special will share rare footage of Presley, as well as interviews from those closest to him, including Priscilla Presley and the director of the original special, Steve Binder.

Upon its debut on Dec. 3, 1968, Presley’s telecast was his first live television performance since 1961. It was wildly popular with fans nationwide and became the No. 1-rated show on NBC that season.