I know this is probably 1 date late and now considered outdated, but sometimes it takes me a little longer to collect my thoughts than most people.
Sunday night was the Grammy Awards. It featured some of the biggest names in music (as well as many actors and actresses from CBS shows) presenting awards, receiving awards, and performing. Awards shows seem to bring out the best and worst in people. Also, they seem to tell us a lot about where our culture is and where it’s headed. No matter if it’s the Grammy’s or the MTV Music Awards, it seems like a lot is said on these star-studded nights.
Here are a few of my thoughts. If I offend you or your favorite artist, I apologize. I’m just speaking my mind:
- First of all, I was glad to see Taylor Swift win the biggest award for Album of the Year. Did she deserve it? Maybe. Maybe not. Did Kanye help her win it? Possibly. But nonetheless, I’m glad she won. Here’s why: the other nominees were Beyonce, the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, and the Dave Matthews Band. While Beyonce has a beautiful voice, she’s marketed through sex appeal. While the Black Eyed Peas create catchy songs that get stuck in your head, some of their lyrics are profane and just like Beyonce, Fergie is marketed through sex appeal. Then there’s Lady Gaga. Sex appeal? Maybe. Shock value? Absolutely! If she was still Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta would we even know who she is? Probably not. As for DMB, I’m not a fan, but I do respect their talent and think they were a worthy nominee. But shockingly, Taylor Swift, in all her youthful innocence, took home the award. You could tell she was sincerely shocked to win. At this point, I think she has been a better role model for young girls that most artists that were at the Grammy’s. Hopefully the wholesome image continues.
- The Michael Jackson Tribute confused me. I felt like I was watching a scene out of Avatar. I also felt like the vocalists were up there to worship Michael Jackson. For a tribute, I expected artists to cover some of his most famous songs. Instead, I heard a great vocal performance that centered on nature/MJ worship. As a kid, I was a big Michael Jackson fan. I still love his music. However, I feel there was a lot of hypocrisy at the Grammy’s. Many people talked about how Michael was supposed to be there, and Michael would be performing his song if he was still alive. I don’t believe that. Before MJ died, he was considered a freak. The music industry shunned him and so did most of the country. If he was alive today, I don’t believe he would have been invited to the Grammy’s even to sit in the audience. I believe he would have been shunned. However, now that he’s dead, the same people that cursed his name now praise him. Something about that doesn’t seem right to me.
- To Lil Wayne, Eminem, and Drake: If half of your performance has to be censored by CBS, what’s the point? The best part of your song was Travis Barker on the drums. Unfortunately, that had to be censored out too because of your language. Also, pull up your pants. And CBS, do you really want Lil Wayne performing on your show when he’s supposed to report to prison next week? Great message you’re sending.
- I don’t understand how the Silversun Pickups were nominated for Best New Artist. Their debut album landed in 2006 and their most famous song, “Lazy Eye,” has been around since 2007. Nothing new about that.
- The performances were hit or miss. In a world of mediocre studio-produced talent, Andrea Bocelli stands above all. Incredible! Like I said, I’m not a DMB fan, but that was an incredible performance as well. Loved the 30+ people on stage all playing different instruments. Great blend. Fun song. Sounded great. And while on the positive side, how bout Bon Jovi? Those guys are 75 years old (jk) and still rocking! I thought the entire set was great…especially the finisher with “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Great stuff! Unfortunately, the Taylor Swift/Stevie Nicks performance was really really rough. Yikes. And Pink’s performance…well…let’s just say it wasn’t family entertainment and maybe made CBS reconsider the TV-PG rating for next year.
- Thank you for changing the landscape of music Les Paul. A legend!
- I first started listening to Green Day when I was in 5th grade. Now I’m 25 and they’re still winning awards and reinventing themselves. Who would have thought a punk band would have such staying power? Do you remember when people accused them of selling out with “Good Riddance”? Now they’re the ones setting the standard.
- I’m really sick of the whole Lady Gaga charade. I really don’t care if she can sing or write. She’s trying too hard for attention, and unfortunately people are giving it to her. We may criticize her antics, but we still buy her music. We may think she’s a freak, but we can’t wait to see what she does next. We’ve essentially created the monster that is Lady Gaga.
- Is Katy Perry talented? I’m not so sure. When she was Katy Hudson, she couldn’t even make it in the Christian industry. However, she changed her name and wrote a song about kissing a girl and now everyone loves her? This confuses me. Just like Lady Gaga, I think fans flocked to her because of her shock value and not because of her talent. Now that she’s made a name for herself, unfortunately, I think her staying power and influence is here for awhile. It’s really sad when people have to become something they’re not to get recognized and noticed. Very few artists stay true to themselves today. They’re only allowed to stay true to their label. And the label seems to be pulling all the strings.
- Last thing…did you know they give away a Grammy for Best Album Notes?
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