Tracy Chapman sings 'Fast Car' with Luke Combs at the Grammys

Tracy Chapman, who hasn't performed in public in years, is in the spotlight to sing a duet of „Fast Car” with Luke Combs at Sunday night's Grammys, sources say. Variety.

Combs, who had a huge hit with her cover version of „Fast Car” last year, has already been announced as a performer on the show. Chapman's appearance comes as a notable surprise, as she has only performed for the cameras three times since wrapping up her last tour in 2009, and the singer has so far resisted popular demand to capitalize on the revival of „Fast Car.” International event.

Representatives for the Recording Academy could not be reached for comment.

Combs' version of „Fast Car” ranked as the fifth biggest song in the US in 2023. Variety It released its annual hitmakers list in late November, ahead of smashes like Taylor Swift's „Anti-Hero.” It spent four weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's Radio Songs chart, two weeks at No. 1 on the Adult Pop and Country formats, and peaked at No. 6. #2 on Top 40 radio and the Hot 100.

Chapman's original version came out in 1988 and peaked at number 6 on the Hot 100, which doesn't really reflect how big it was in the demographic at the time. It reached the top 5 in the UK twice, once in 1988 and then 23 years later in 2011.

Chapman released a statement in support of Combs' version, but stayed out of the public eye last year as his song dominated again. Although it could legally be released without his blessing, the country star's camp received permission from Chapman to release it as a single. Combs, for his part, said he had no conversation with Chapman about the tune last year, but said it was enough to get his approval. Along with Royalty, Chapman has consistently received accolades such as Song of the Year from the Country Music Association.

„I'm sorry I wasn't able to join you all tonight,” Chapman said in a statement read from the stage when he won song of the year at the CMAs. “It is truly an honor to have my song recognized anew 35 years after its debut. Thanks to the CMAs and a special thanks to Luca and all the 'Fast Car' fans.

Additional reporting by Chris Willman.