Vandross is reportedly singing again after falling ill

He is bidding for song of the year with Dance With My Father, and nominations for his album of the same name.

In December the 52-year-old pledged to attend the Los Angeles event.

But the soul singer's manager Carmen Romano said: "On the advice of his doctors, I regret to say that Luther won't be able to make this trip."

Although he won't attend, Vandross will still be a major part of the ceremony.

Celine Dion and J Records labelmate Alicia Keys will take part in a tribute to the star during the show, to be broadcast live on CBS.

Meanwhile, Vandross' mother, Mary, has recorded two public service announcements about diabetes, which played a role in Vandross' stroke.

Her husband and another son died from the disease, according to a statement from Vandross' publicist.