LOS ANGELES • Lady Gaga will lead what organisers called an "experiential tribute" to the late British singer David Bowie at the upcoming Grammy Awards.

The Recording Academy said she would perform three or four of Bowie's songs in a "multisensory testament" to his creativity as a musician whose work constantly evolved over five decades.

Bowie's unexpected death at age 69 last month shocked fans around the world and came two days after the release of a critically acclaimed new album, Blackstar.

Gaga, a six-time Grammy winner, had already been booked to perform at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb 15.

"But when David passed - almost in a single moment - we knew we had to change direction," Grammy ceremony executive producer Ken Ehrlich said in a statement.

"We immediately spoke and agreed that Gaga should be the one to honour David. She's perfect for it."

Music producer Nile Rodgers, who worked on Bowie's 1983 album Let's Dance, will be the musical director for the tribute.

The National Football League said Gaga would sing The Star- Spangled Banner at Super Bowl 50 on Sunday in San Francisco, where British rockers Coldplay will be the halftime entertainment.

REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE