Grammy Whammy
by Michael
There were sighs of relief as Carrie Underwood was awarded the New Artist Grammy from the fans of the other artists nominated in this category. This award has often condemned the winner to obscurity before their second album could even be released (see Men at Work, Terrence Trent D'arby, Milli Vanilla, et al). It's possible that Underwood will overcome the jinx since she's a country star and they tend to maintain a loyal following unless you're the Dixie Chicks.
Speaking of the Chicks, what was up with them getting all the big awards? Usually the Grammys are just an affirmation of commercial success (album sales, concerts and airplay). So why were the Dixie Chicks given so much Grammy love? Are the voters trying to send a message to country fans that maybe they're missing out? I doubt the fans of twang will pay any attention. They're too busy waving the flag in support of the Simpering Simian's crusade to spread Capitalist/Christianity/Democracy to the Middle East.
Besides, the Chicks didn't take advantage of their opportunity to speak out. They preferred to make jokes instead of sticking it to administration again. I guess they're trying to win their fan-base back by playing the silly girls with no opinions role. They fit right in with a rather boring and staid Grammy show with few highlights but lot's of comic fodder beginning with the first award to Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder.
The unlikely duo were awarded for a cover of Wonder's "For Once in My Life". This was obviously an award for a last-gasp effort by both artists, which is OK except that the other nominees were better and they probably wouldn't have plugged Target as the "best sponsor ever".
Some Other Thoughts
I'm peeved that Mary J. Blige left me off her "thank you" list.
Simon needs to work on Carrie Underwood's mic technique. The constant hand switching thing was just too weird and distracting.
Somebody please tell the Grammy people that country music does not appeal to the majority of the music listening public. Besides, aren't there like eight different country music award shows that allow the twangy crowd to pat themselves on the back. I can't believe they ditched the Classical, Latin and International awards to pump up country music.
Thank God the Grammy president is off his anti-piracy kick and actually advocating for a real cause; support for arts education in public schools.
Who set Gnarls Barkley on the wrong speed? 33rpms are for albums, 45rpms are for singles. Make a note.
If Smokey Robinson gets any more work done, he'll be singing through his navel.
Chris Rock said "cock" and "dick" in one sentence. That's the last time you'll see him on a live TV show.
The show announcer kept saying that the Chili Peppers were going to give a performance that people would be talking about. They played a ballad. They were fully dressed. Nothing extraordinary happened. So what was there to talk about?
Maria Callas received a lifetime achievement award. Maria Callas has been dead since 1977. Did someone miss the obituary?
I could go on and on, but I do have work to do.
Posted under Read the Lede on Monday, February 12th, 2007 at 11:12
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