Well, if you're a young, blond, country superstar who can't sing live, but writes catchy songs, then it's certainly your year. Taylor Swift took home the night's biggest honor with
Album of the Year for
Fearless. While it is impressive that she wrote every song on the album (a feat she made sure to mention in her speech) and some of the songs have true crossover appeal, it is rather embarrassing that the girl cannot sing live! In one performance last night, she teamed up with legend Stevie Nicks. It's very sad when a 61-year-old woman sings a 20-year-old's original songs and puts them to shame. Nevertheless, I don't think there's been a better year for country music as artists like Taylor and Carrie have blended the line between mainstream and country.
Though Beyoncé's
I Am...Sasha Fierce lost out to Taylor's album, she undoubtedly had the biggest night. Taking home a female first of 6 awards (including
Song of the Year for 'Single Ladies'), Beyoncé also gave a very powerful performance, albeit a surprise pick with a medley of 'If I Were a Boy' and Alanis Morissette's 'You Oughta Know.' (Britney's Spears anyone?) All in all, I am sure Beyoncé feels proud and is quite happy with this capping off one of her most successful years ever.
My personal favorite performance from the night was the opener by Lady Gaga. Not to be outdone, she had three very outlandish outfits. On the red carpet she gave new meaning to the term pop star as she dawned another orbital piece, carrying-not a handbag-but a rather dangerous-looking, star-shaped metallic object. Her opening number was awesome featuring 'The Fame Factory' set. She opened up with another new arrangement of 'Poker Face' segueing by way of fire chute to an emotional medley of 'Speechless' and 'Your Song' with none other than Sir Elton John himself. The term legendary doesn't even begin to describe what this performance will go down as in the Grammy books. Gaga was snubbed for most of the main show, however she walked away with 2 Grammys during the pre-awards for
Best Dance Recording and
Best Electronic/Dance Album. I think if
The Fame Monster would have made the time frame cut it could have beat Taylor's
Fearless, even in it's 8 song format.
That being said, this means Gaga beat out Britney for the one category she was nominated in. The Grammys just don't seem to favor pop's princess. She was nominated in the same category for which she won her first Grammy for 'Toxic' in 2005. However, 'Womanizer' simply could not oust 'Poker Face' in the eyes of the Grammy academy. Needless to say I think this is blasphemy as 'Womanizer' was so epic of a track, and from new, unknown producers, that it certified Britney's comeback in the pop music scene (not to mention it's unprecedented record-breaking sales!). However, if anyone was going to beat Britney at least it was Gaga, who is releasing unique dance/pop tracks. If nothing else, I hope Britney (who was in attendance, although incognito) was inspired and got the drive to push this next record to another new level.
In closing, the 2010 Grammys made for an enjoyable look back in music for 2009. Though I scoff at some of the picks, it is important to remember that music is a highly subjective art form. Each of the nominees truly did add something to the pop music scene in 2009 and so no matter the winner, the fact that the academy recognized their feats is at least an honor in and of itself. If you missed any of the performances last night, check out a few of my favorite (including another touching tribute to Michael Jackson [although this was 3D, so I hope you kept you 3D glasses from Avatar]) A full list of the night's honors
can be found here. What do you think? Did the Grammys get it right? What was your favorite performance? Favorite outfit? Favorite Gaga outfit?
Sound off in the comments or @popboi on twitter.Lady Gaga and Elton John: 'Poker Face/Speechless/Your Song'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Igkv1WB0I-0
Beyoncé: 'If I Were A Boy/You Oughta Know'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yjmlZM-LRQ
Pink: 'Glitter in the Air'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0lq96Xr9LA
Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Carrie Underwood: 'Earth Song'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR6ocb5Xf1g
