Overview
- Copeland performed a ballet interlude during the live Sinners rendition of “I Lied to You” alongside Miles Caton, Raphael Saadiq, Shaboozey, and other artists.
- The Firebird costume she wore was the 1982 Geoffrey Holder design from Dance Theatre of Harlem, which incorporates a sankofa symbol, as noted by artistic director Robert Garland.
- Her movement was created specifically for the broadcast rather than drawn from Firebird, reflecting caution as she recovers from a December hip replacement after retiring in October 2025.
- While many viewers connected the moment to Timothée Chalamet’s recent remarks about ballet and opera, producers said her participation was arranged before the controversy.
- On the red carpet, Copeland accessorized with nearly $2 million in Jared natural diamonds, including the 27-carat Jared Mpho Diamond ring valued at about $1.8 million.