Beyonce pledges to be at Grammys

There have been fears that stars could stay away if there is a picket line outside the prestigious music ceremony.

Beyonce's father and manager Matthew Knowles said "we have every intention" of being at the event in Los Angeles.

The Foo Fighters' manager John Silva said the rock band "will be performing on the show" on 10 February.

The statements were released through the Recording Academy, which organises the Grammys.

US scriptwriters have been on strike over royalty payments since 5 November.

"We won't be a clip show or a press conference or anything of the sort, this show really will go on"
Neil Portnow
Recording Academy president

The Recording Academy has asked the Writers' Guild of America (WGA) for a waiver to allow writers to work on its ceremony and avoid a picket line, but the WGA has said this was unlikely.

Some film and TV award ceremonies, including the Golden Globes, have already been scuppered because the union has refused to grant waivers.

And members of actors' union the Screen Actors Guild have pledged to boycott such events in support. Beyonce is a member of the Screen Actors Guild.

Mr Knowles said: "We have an incredible Beyonce performance that will be announced soon. We wish the Grammys the best."

The Foo Fighters have conducted an online search for fans to play with them on stage in a segment called My Grammy Moment.

Singer Dave Grohl said: "Thanks to My Grammy Moment, a musician from that next generation is going to get the chance to audition on YouTube to play with us at the Grammys as part of our orchestra."

Mr Silva said he hoped the strike could be resolved, but added: "There's no question that the Grammys are a highlight of every year for the industry and audiences alike, and we're thrilled that the Foo Fighters will be performing on the show."

Recording Academy president Neil Portnow told the Associated Press: "They are taking the position during a strike situation that they are coming and they support the rights of the Recording Academy to present the Grammy Awards this year."

The Grammy ceremony mainly consisted of music and musical performances, he said, and any other elements requiring writers would be "icing on the cake".

"We won't be a clip show or a press conference or anything of the sort. This show really will go on."

The Recording Academy has also asked its members to sign a petition urging the WGA to grant a waiver, AP said.

This year will be the 50th Grammys ceremony. Kanye West leads the nominations with eight, while Amy Winehouse is up for six awards.

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