The Grammys are always one of the most anticipated awards shows of the season. This year’s edition was no exception as fans anxiously waited for several burning questions to be answered. Who would win the duel between Taylor Swift and Beyonce? What would Lady Gaga wear? How would the Michael Jackson tribute go? Here’s a couple of things I’m sure everyone will be buzzing about:
*The performances. The Grammys are known for their unique, showstopping collaborations between artists both nubile and veteran but this year’s awards show was not completely rich with that tradition. Thumbs up to the Lady Gaga/Elton John opener (I don’t know if viewers were more entertained by the wardrobe choices or the actual song selection). Thumbs way up for the stunning Mary J. Blige/Andrea Bocelli rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” which probably stands out as the performance of the night. The Taylor Swift/Stevie Nicks collabo definitely falls into the night’s most forgettable moments territory; Swift was painstakingly off-pitch and the slowed down version of her hit “You Belong With Me” did her (nor the song) any justice. The Maxwell/Roberta Flack duet seemed ripe with promise but proved surprisingly mediocre (was it me or was Flack completely distracted the whole time?).
Pink and Beyonce turned in the most solid solo performances of the night, opting for award show pizazz and glam. Jamie Foxx and T-Pain’s rendition of “Blame It” seemed to completely change the culture of the show as I wondered if somehow I had been transported to the BET Awards; it wreaked of everything that’s wrong with black America today and the surprise appearance of Foxx’s sister mid-performance did not help matters whatsoever. Despite the long periods of silence due to expletives, the Eminem/Drake/Lil Wayne trifecta proved a winner. The Black Eyed Peas definitely rocked the house but I’m sure that will.i.am was not completely pleased that the Grammys positioned the group more like “Fergie and the BEP”…not a good look, not a good look at all.
*The MJ tribute. Let me say point-blank that NO awards show got this tribute right. When the Grammys announced that Celine Dion, Usher, Smokey Robinson, Jennifer Hudson and Carrie Underwood would comprise the tribute to the late MJ, tongues wagged. They are definitely an eclectic group of talented and accomplished musicians who could definitely put their own spin on MJ classics. But no, they were handed the not-so-popular “Earth Song” and the entire performance fell flat, save for Hudson and Underwood who belted their hearts out. Usher tried but failed miserably to channel the late King of Pop and reminded us all that he is a pale “un-contender” for MJ’s crown. I was disappointed with Dion who seemed pitchy and Robinson who seemed in his own world. I would have preferred a clipshow of MJ’s greatest moments instead of that so-called tribute. The acceptance of Jackson’s Lifetime Achievement Grammy by his two oldest children was a special touch that reminded us that MJ, despite his larger than life persona, was really an actual person with an actual family who actually loved him.
*The actual awards. I have no idea why they presented the Best Comedy Album on the actual show when dozens of major awards (like Contemporary R&B Album!) were left for the “in earlier news” section. Taylor Swift confirmed my prediction that she would trump Beyonce in the all-important Album of the Year category but Beyonce didn’t walk away empty-handed – with 6 trophies (Song of The Year, Female Pop Vocal, Female R&B Vocal, Contemporary R&B Album, Traditional R&B Performance, R&B Song) she broke a record she shared for the most Grammy wins by a female artist in one night. Not bad at all, Queen B. Props to Maxwell for winning R&B Album and Best R&B Vocal, as well – not bad for a man who had been written off by the industry. Lady Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas, despite being shut out of the major categories, didn’t go empty-handed either.
The biggest upset of the night had to be Kings of Leon’s win for Record of the Year…now that I think about it voters couldn’t decide between the dance tracks (“Poker Face” and “I Gotta Feeling”) or the dueling divas (“Halo” and “You Belong With Me”) so they went with what was left. How did we NOT see that one coming?
*The “I’m Trying To Comeback” Artists. Toni Braxton, what were you thinking when you went for the shorn, Cassie look? You’re over 30 and cannot do what the kiddies are doing these days…and why would you want to? Ashanti – why were you there? Ciara – why were you there?
*The notable absence of Kanye West. Despite his scene-stealing antics and over-the-top outbursts, West is still a respected artist in the industry. This seeming ban on him needs to be lifted pronto. Kanye, it’s okay to come out of hiding…I think we’ve kind of gotten over the whole MTV awards thing….even though some viewers feel his treatment of Taylor lead to her win in the Album category.
I will commend the Grammys on embracing younger acts this time around, particularly in the major categories. They are usually so trapped in the “you have to be 50 to be considered real art” mode that the awards itself were beginning to lose their relevance. So what did you do think? What was your favorite moment of the night?
P.S. Based on my predictions in my Grammy nominations article, out of 17 categories, I correctly guessed the winners in 10 categories. Not bad, right?
[Images Source: WireImage.com]
