The Ups and Downs of the Grammys
Normally, I hate the Grammys. For that matter, I hate all awards shows. But for some reason, this one was different. The 2012 Grammy Awards packed a large amount of performances into the show, which was one of the reasons I think it was a great success. David Guetta, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne and Chris Brown were some of the most notable performers. Deadmau5 also made an interesting performance, proving that even David Grohl will rock out to dubstep if the time and place is right.
The Grammys has long been shamed as an event that only honors what is in the mainstream, but the show has started to give indie and less popular music respect. Arcade Fire’s surprise Album of the Year win was a great example of this.
Adele was another hot topic at the show, as she won both Album of the Year and Song of the Year. Adele also gave an excellent performance of “Rolling in the Deep,” which showed that her voice hasn’t changed a bit since her recent throat operation.
The most controversial moment of the night was likely the performance by Nicki Minaj. Performing one of her new songs, “Roman Holiday,” the stage was decked out with all sorts of religious paraphernalia and personnel. The song and performance was thought to be subpar by many.
One of the biggest failures of the night was the Beach Boys reunion. Although I really love this idea, I feel as if, at this point, they have nowhere to go but down. I will always consider them one of the best bands of all time, but their performance with Adam Levine and Foster the People seemed extremely out of place.
An interesting controversy arose when Deadmau5 wore a black t-shirt with rival DJ Skrillex’s phone number on it, with the text “u mad bro?” printed in a white font. It is unclear whether this was a joke or a serious attempt at an invasion of privacy, but either way, it’s sure to spark up all types of controversy.
Noticeably absent from the show were rappers Kanye West and Jay-Z. Mr. West and Mr. Carter were unable to accept their Grammy for Best Rap Performance. Mr. West’s album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, gained love from critics and fans alike, but it was not nominated for Album of the Year, much to my surprise.
Whitney Houston’s death was alluded to at multiple times during the show. The crowning moment of the night was when Jennifer Hudson performed the song “I Will Always Love You” in her honor. It was interesting to see the song reinterpreted on such a glamorous, large stage. The tribute was impressive, even to those who were not big Whitney Houston fans.
The Grammy Awards ceremony was filled with all of the typical vanity and absurdity that is ever present at every awards show, but it was saved by excellent musical performances and getting the winners right for the most part.
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