Grammy Awards 2021: BTS, Shakira and John Legend to perform online benefit concert

The Music on a Mission event will raise funds for industry personnel affected by the pandemic

The BTS single 'Dynamite' is up for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo / Group Performance. AFP

A pre-Grammy Awards concert is shaping up to be as star-studded as the ceremony itself.

Held two days before the awards show, the annual MusiCares Foundation concert, this year dubbed Music on a Mission, will be held on March 12.

Streaming from the organisation's website, the event features performances by K-pop kings BTS, American music veteran Carole King, noted crooner Lionel Richie, pop favourites the Jonas Brothers, Colombian superstar Shakira and All of Me singer John Legend.

Also making a special appearance are Beatles members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.

Running under the auspices of the Grammy Foundation, the MusiCares Foundation is a non-profit organisation that "provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need".

With concert tickets priced at $25, proceeds will go to music industry personnel affected by the pandemic.

In addition to the current crop of stars, the event also features exclusive classic performances from the MusiCares Foundation vaults, including Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty, and Usher.

BTS inclusion a masterstroke

It remains to be seen whether BTS will perform in full band mode or in a more pared-back format.

The group showed they are adept at both courtesy of their successful MTV Unplugged concert in February.

The 30-minute show had the boys performing while seated and delivering hits such as Life Goes On and the Grammy Award-nominated Dynamite, plus a cover of Coldplay's Fix You.

The signing of BTS to the line-up could be considered a masterstroke.

With their fervent international fan base, their inclusion should guarantee increased ticket sales and generate more money to be distributed those in need.

"Music on a Mission is a chance to recognise the challenges music people have faced this past year and honour their resiliency," MusiCares executive Laura Segura said.

"After surveying the music industry, it is clear the pandemic has taken a financial and mental toll. As the leading foundation dedicated to the health and welfare of music people, it is our responsibility to support music people through this pandemic and beyond.

“We're thrilled to pay tribute to the people who have kept the music playing."

Music on a Mission streams on the MusiCares Foundation site on Friday, March 12 at 8pm EST (5am UAE time on Saturday, March 13). Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.