John Legend's 'Pieces': Reactions to Emmy Awards' 'In Memoriam' Song

John Legend premiered a new song during Monday's 74th Emmy Awards, and viewers of the show are giving the performance rave reviews on social media.

Legend accompanied himself on piano while singing "Pieces," a song from his latest album, Legend, which was released on September 9. He performed the ballad during the ceremony's "In Memoriam," and fans immediately praised the selection as a fitting soundtrack to pay tribute to the lives lost in the entertainment industry over the past year.

"One thing about for certain, John Legend is gonna get called to do a tribute, and when he does, you're gonna feel every bit of it," user @Jd_hilburn wrote on Twitter.

The news that Legend, who is an EGOT—standing for Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winner—would perform at the Emmys was announced last week. The ceremony's executive producer Reginald "Reggie" Hudlin revealed the singer-songwriter's involvement during a Thursday press event. Hudlin also discussed "Pieces" and his initial reluctance about Legend debuting an unfamiliar tune.

"Normally we would not do a new song in a situation like this. We listened with skepticism which quickly turned to wild enthusiasm. This is an incredulous powerful moving song," Hudlin said at the press talk, according to Deadline. "A John Legend performance is always something to be excited about, and the song is unique and special and uniquely suited to the context we'll be putting it in."

Fans agreed with Hudlin's assessment.

"Stunning memorial and song! Thank you @johnlegend and team #Emmys2022," user @sfsam22 tweeted.

Legend is the eighth studio release from the singer-songwriter and is a double album featuring 24 tracks. Legend has already released three singles from the collection: "Dope" (featuring JID), "Honey" (featuring Muni Long) and "All She Wanna Do" (featuring Saweetie).

After Legend dropped in record stores and on streaming services, the singer shared a lyric video for "Pieces" on YouTube.

Judging by the reaction on Twitter, fans are hoping to hear "Pieces" as a single getting ample radio play in the near future.

Legend seems to have even won over some new fans.

"Surprisingly, @JohnLegend is knocking this Memoriam segment right of the park and rocking that piano," user @JBJblaze said. "The first musical performance I've actually enjoyed tonight. All these amazing talents passed on, they will be missed. What a nice send-of."

However, while many people praised Legend's performance, some were upset about the staging of the show.

"I feel like it kind of defeats the point of an In Memoriam if we stay in a wide shot where all the names of the deceased are impossible to read just so no one forgets that it's John Legend on the mic," user @LordPancreas added.

Along with a musical career full of hits and accolades, Legend is also known for being a coach on The Voice. He's been on NBC's singing competition show since 2019.

Season 22 of The Voice is scheduled to premiere on September 19. Along with Legend, country musician Blake Shelton is also returning as a coach, and will be joined by his wife, Gwen Stefani, who has sat out the show since Season 19. Rounding out the lineup will be singer Camila Cabello, who is making her debut as a coach after Kelly Clarkson announced her departure from the show in May.