There are some indelible moments during televised awards shows that remain in the heart and mind. One of those was when Tracy Chapman teamed up with Luke Combs on her classic, "Fast Car," at the 2024 Grammys. It was really magic. Their styles and unique vocals meshed ideally. Combs occasionally glanced shyly at Chapman in seeming disbelief that he was actually sharing a stage with her. Per Whiskey Riff, "The two executed a showstopping performance, leaving fans in awe of their stage chemistry and beautifully blended sound. The duet became an overnight sensation online...."
Videos by Wide Open Country
Luke Combs Was Doubtful That The Duet Would Happen
The country singer recently was a guest on the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard. He talked abut the now-storied performance. Combs said, "My team was like 'The Grammys are thinking about doing this and I just remember thinking, like, it's not gonna happen. She just doesn't do anything. They were like, 'would you be interested?' and I was like, 'well, [expletive] obviously I'd be interested,' but it's not gonna happen."
His doubts were not unfounded. Chapman has largely stepped away from the limelight in recent years. Per the outlet, her last LP came out 17 years ago. She has been "mainly staying out of the public eye and avoiding the press." Combs understandably assumed it was unlikely that Chapman would want to sing with him, or maybe anyone else either.
He Got a Welcome Phone Call
When he least expected it, Combs got a phone call. He learned that Chapman was interested in speaking to him the next day. Even though he had done a cover of "Fast Car," he had never previously talked to her.
Combs said that she called and they pleasantly chatted for 45 minutes. He was a bit jittery, but she reportedly told him she liked his interpretation of "Fast Car." He told her he enjoys her music. Per the outlet, Combs said, "I was getting deep. She could tell I was a real fan, I really cared about the records and stuff."
Combs Thinks She Wanted To Get To Know Him a Little First
He added, "She didn't say this, but I think that was her trying to figure out if she wanted to do it or not. She's like I don't want to go up with this guy if this guy sucks, pretty much, which I have respect for."
A month went by before the upcoming Chapman-Combs duet got the final green light. But it happened and we will never forget that special moment at the Grammys.
