Donald Glover has kept his performances as Childish Gambino to a minimum since dropping Awaken, My Love! in 2016, but he treated fans to a rare live rendition of "Terrified" Sunday night at the 60th annual Grammy Awards. After picking up a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance with "Redbone" before the telecast began, Glover flexed his impressive vocal chops as he performed in a crisp white suit.
Glover was joined by guest vocalist J.D. McCrary, the 10-year-old actor who will star as Simba in Disney's upcoming remake of The Lion King.
The appearance followed Glover's intimate pre-Grammys set at New York City's Irving Plaza on Saturday night. During the show's encore, he delivered a quick freestyle for those lucky enough to be in attendance.
This weekend's performances come in the wake of news that Glover has signed a deal with RCA Records to release new music under his Childish Gambino moniker.
According to a statement from RCA CEO Peter Edge to Variety, the deal will give rise to the "next phase" of Gambino. "Donald is undoubtedly one of the most talented, multi-faceted, young entertainers of this era," Edge said. "We are excited to join forces with him and Wolf + Rothstein to usher in the next phase of Childish Gambino’s musical career." Glover added, "It was a necessary change of pace."
This news puts to bed rumors from 2017 that Glover was planning on retiring Childish Gambino.
Gambino was nominated for five awards at this year's Grammys: Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Best R&B Song, Best Urban Contemporary Album, and Best Traditional R&B Performance. Check back here for a live updated list of all the winners.
