Pink Sings ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ to Honor Olivia Newton-John

Pink Performs ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ as a Moving Tribute to Olivia Newton-John

By Regina Sienra on November 22, 2022

Photo: Screenshot from YouTube

Australian singer and actress Olivia Newton-John, star of Grease and Xanadu, sadly passed away last August at the age of 73. After her death, celebrities rushed to pay their respects, praising not only her talent, but also her philanthropic efforts and warm personality. Over the weekend, the latest homage took the form of a powerful performance of one of Newton-John's most famous songs. During the 2022 American Music Awards ceremony, singer Pink gave a moving rendition of “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” a heartbreaking ballad from Grease sung by Newton-John's character, Sandy.

Newton-John's lustrous career earned her 10 American Music Awards over the years, so it was only fitting for the organizing committee to celebrate her legacy. Before Pink took the stage, she was introduced by fellow singer Melissa Etheridge, who remembered the kind presence of the late actress. “From the moment you were in the presence of Olivia Newton-John, you sensed her sweetness, you stood in awe of her welcoming beauty, and you basked in the feeling that she was connecting to you alone,” Etheridge said. “But when she opened her mouth to sing you knew instantly, you’d have to share her with the world.”

Pink, known for her energetic and raspy voice, wore a pink-beige feathered dress, and sung her heart out as pictures of Newton-John from different stages of her life were projected on the screen behind her. “She was an absolute icon, and also, she was a wonderful human being. I loved her voice,” Pink said of the late Australian actress. In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, the “Raise Your Glass” singer revealed that her 11-year-old daughter, who had just been part of a school production of Grease, helped her get ready for this performance, which got her a standing ovation.

This isn't the first tribute to Newton-John Pink has done. Back in August, she shared a black-and-white image of both of them with a sweet message about their moments together.”I met her maybe three times—and she was an absolute angel. One of the loveliest, kindest, light from within human beings I have ever met,” she wrote. “Kindness personified. May she Rest In Peace and may her family be held in love and light during this difficult time.”