Michael Jackson during rehearsals for his would-be ‘This Is It’ concert that turned into the most successful concert movie of all time.

Michael Jackson may have declined an appearance at last year’s Grammy Awards, but he’ll make it into this year’s program—in 3D, that is.

A star-studded production number has been planned for the Jan. 31 show that would bring back the late pop star, if not physically then at least in spirit, to the Grammy stage where he’s had stellar performances in the past—most notably a highly charged rendition of “Man In The Mirror” backed by a gospel choir in 1988.

Jackson had reportedly promised the show’s producers last year that he would make an appearance the following year. Hopes for a Jackson production number were dashed when the King of Pop suddenly died on June 25, 2009, just days away from flying to London to begin dress rehearsals for his would-be concert residency at the O2 Arena.

Grammys show producer Ken Elrich recalls meeting Jackson the night before he died to watch the “Earth Song” film clip that would have been used for the concerts. As it stands, the beautifully shot short film has become one of the two visual centerpieces that figured in the concert movie “This Is It” instead.

As a fitting honor to Jackson, the producers of the show rejected the notion of having other artists perform Jackson’s song. Instead, the 3D film of “Earth Song” with Jackson’s 3D image will be accompanied by performers such as Jackson friend and mentor Smokey Robinson and Jackson fan Usher; as well as Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, and Celine Dion, as reported.

This number could potentially be one of the most memorable to be put together by the Grammy Awards producers since this is the first time an awards show would feature 3D.

Reportedly, free 3D glasses will be distributed at Target stores from Jan. 26 until the day of the Grammys broadcast. Regular TV viewers, however, can watch the show “normally” without the glasses with slight softness on some of the shots.

The Los Angeles County coroner’s office determined Jackson’s death in June to be due to acute propofol intoxication. He was 50 years old.