Evelyn Barge
A&E Editor
The 47th Annual Grammy Awards kick off Sunday night at 8 on CBS. The show, which airs live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, will open with performances by five nominated artists: the Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani, Los Lonely Boys, Maroon5 and Franz Ferdinand.
And with the help of modern broadcasting technology, this cross-genre, multi-artist spectacular will actually be performed across three separate stages.
And spectacular may very well be the unifying theme of the whole event.
Outside of the opening act, performances already confirmed for the awards show include Kanye West, Usher, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Green Day, Alicia Keys, Tim McGraw and U2.
Acting as master of ceremonies is none other than Queen Latifah, with support from other Hollywood names like Ellen DeGeneres, Christina Milian and John Travolta. Not coincidentally, Milian and Travolta co-star in “Be Cool,” the sequel to “Get Shorty,” which is slated for theatrical release in early March (so be prepared to weather an influx of shameless self-promotion).
Taking a momentary step back from the glitz and glamour of it all, the Grammys will also feature a special tribute to the tsunami victims in Southeast Asia. But in true award-show style, even this segment includes acts by Stevie Wonder, Bono, Mariah Carey and Norah Jones.
In Hollywood, there’s just no stopping an outpouring of celebrity compassion, especially if it involves dressing up in Dolce and Gabbana and performing on live TV for a viewing audience of millions.
Hoping to get in on all the star-studded action? If you’re not a member of the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences, a nominee, presenter or performer, and you’re willing to shell out a couple grand, then eBay has your all-access pass. Four VIP tickets are currently selling for $3,250 on the online auction site.
But whether you make it past security and onto the red carpet or simply plan to watch the debacle from your living-room sofa, it seems everyone has an opinion on this year’s trophy fest. Here’s an overview of one Graphic columnist’s views on the nominees in the top categories.
Record of the Year
Although I’m utterly disappointed by the nominees in this, one of the biggest, most anticipated, categories, Usher’s “Yeah!” is a safe bet for the win. It seems Usher can do no wrong. Even negative publicity surrounding his questionable sex life and tense break-up with TLC’s Chili only fueled the R&B singer’s success. In fact, Usher may be one celebrity who had no qualms about baring it all. Already known for stripping down to his boxers mid-song, he also went on the record about his relationships and hang-ups in the aptly-titled album “Confessions.”
Album of the Year
However touching the numerous nominations for Ray Charles are, I’m afraid there’s no competing with Kanye West’s “The College Dropout” in this category. This is not to say that West actually deserves to walk away with the title of Best Album of the Year in his pocket, but, again, the options are limited (just look at the nominees). To his credit, West did produce and write his entire album, which is more than can be said for some of the nominees in other categories.
Song of the Year
While we’re at it, let’s own up to the fact that Kanye West is tremendously popular right now. “Jesus Walks” is the most likely winner for Song of the Year, and, I must admit, I’m somewhat relieved. If there was any chance that Tim McGraw might win for “Live Like You Were Dying,” I’d consider orchestrating a nationwide boycott against the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences. How the year’s sappiest, most overproduced song even got nominated is beyond me.
Best New Artist
For the sake of variety, and because Kanye West simply doesn’t deserve to win every single award he garnered nominations for, my pick for this category is Maroon5. Their infectious pop melodies have been dominating the airwaves for some time now, and their popularity is at an all-time high. And even if it’s embarrassing to admit, nearly everyone has enjoyed listening to a Maroon5 song from time to time. In fact, it’s hard to remember a single day that went by when one of their songs wasn’t being pumped out of a nearby radio. Maybe that’s why I keep getting migraine headaches every time I overhear “She Will Be Loved.”
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
My initial reaction to the nominees in this category was outrage over the fact that Sheryl Crow’s butchered rendition of Cat Stevens’ “The First Cut Is The Deepest” was even considered for this honor. Putting the shock factor aside, Gwen Stefani will probably take the trophy in this category. Her solo career is more solid than ever, and music fans can’t seem to get enough of the Orange County native. That includes the bizarre popularity of the handbags she designs for LeSportsac. The couture lifestyle must complement Stefani’s ska and punk-rock roots.
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
Last time I checked, this is 2005. Yet three of the nominees in this category reached the height of their popularity before 1990. In light of this, I’ll put Elvis Costello, Prince and Seal on the backburner and focus on the other two nominees. John Mayer’s “Daughters” disturbs me to no end, because he is neither a daughter, a father or a mother — the three kinds of people he gives advice to in the song. So I guess that leaves us with Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up,” and I’m comfortable with that. In terms of vocal technique, he’s obviously the most talented singer in the bunch.
Best Rock Album
The Killers’ “Hot Fuss” is one of the highlights of rock music this year. “Somebody Told Me” is one of my favorite songs. It’s nostalgic enough to sound like a classic song from the 80s, but new enough to have a modern edge and catchy beat. Their music is genuinely irresistible and an important contribution to the current rock scene. I hope they walk away with a Grammy statue Sunday.
Best Alternative Music Album
Admittedly, this category is my favorite. Each of the nominated bands is an excellent example of what the modern-music industry has going for it. But, since I have to predict just one winner, Franz Ferdinand is probably the most obvious choice. Their self-titled album has been popular enough to attract the attention of mainstream listeners and music insiders alike. The Scottish four-piece has a hard edge that appeals to pickier music fans, but still hangs on to a bit of classic rock-n-roll appeal. Every track on this album is worth listening to, and the Grammy should go to the band that accomplished it.
Best R&B Album
Everyone likes Jill Scott, and for a good reason. Her traditional approach to hip-hop and R&B on “Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2” is a richly passionate examination of love and life. She blends elements of soul, jazz and hip-hop to produce an appealing sound that only a woman as hip as Scott could pull off.
Best Rap Album
Kanye West will probably take this category too, but I’d like to see Jay-Z take the award home for “The Black Album.” Jay-Z’s album is a great musical effort, and includes some of his best tracks in years like “Encore” and “99 Problems.” But West is the more popular candidate this year, and his debut album tackles some pretty controversial topics over beats that any rap fan can appreciate. And Jay-Z does make a cameo appearance on “College Dropout,” so the award won’t be a total loss.
02-10-2005
