GRAMMYS SALUTE TO ELTON TO AIR APRIL 10

Courtesy of the Recording Academy/photo by WireImage.com

Alessia Cara, Kesha, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Chris Martin, Maren Morris, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and SZA are among the acts honoring Elton John on Elton John: I’m Still Standing—A Grammy Salute that CBS will air on 4/10 at 9pm.

We were fortunate enough to be in the Theater at Madison Square Garden for the taping and here are some one-word thoughts on the mostly superb performances.

Miley Cyrus, “The Bitch is Back.” Fun.

Ed Sheeran, “Candle in the Wind.” Endearing.

Sam Smith, “Daniel.” Intimate.

Alessia Cara, “Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues.” Prudent.

Lady Gaga, "Your Song." Poignant.

Little Big Town, “Rocket Man.” Ambitious.

Christopher Jackson & Valerie Simpson, “Border Song.” Rooted.

SZA and Shawn Mendes, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” Quaint.

Maren Morris, “Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters.” Soulful.

Chris Martin, “We All Fall in Love Sometime.” Classy.

Miranda Lambert, ‘My Father’s Gun.” Ballsy.

Kesha, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” Patchy.

John Legend, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” Precise.

Elton John, “Bennie and the Jets,” “Philadelphia Freedom” and “I’m Still Standing” with all the participants. One word? We’ll go with “energized.”

Further props to Ken Ehrlich for using Elton’s band as the backup unit, and to musical director Davey Johnstone who adapted to singers’ needs rather than sticking to the current manner in which Elton performs.