“I'm going on record as an artist who is able to critique [Amy Winehouse]. I think she has a great talent, but I don't agree with the Grammys giving her those nods. I think it sends the wrong message, that even in the midst of her stupor of drugs she can get nominated for all these awards. It's a slap in the face to musicians and artists who work very hard that they turn around and give it to someone who really obviously doesn't have a grasp of what she has. I've been in this business over 25 years and I sacrificed five years of my own life on drugs and almost lost my life because of it. So I take great offence to almost see someone getting glory out of being in the position that they're in – she needs to get her life together and embrace her craft, she will lose it if she doesn't get it together.”
- Natalie Cole
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Grammys 2008
They're a pair that, in theory, are grounds for a spectacular duet, but Alicia Keys and Frank Sinatra's opening of the 50th annual Grammy Awards left much to be desired. Wether it was Alicia's fake piano playing (finger-synching?), or the fact that the combo was so visually disconnected, the whole performance lacked any sort of award-worthy appeal. Following the opener was Carrie Underwood's cirque du percussion type performance of her popular song, 'Before He Cheats'. If you saw the performance, you will understand when i say "I liked it better when it was called 'Stomp' and there was no singing". It's no wonder why she comes out with the big hair, short skirt and stilettos (it's the same reason Dolly Parton has that figure), her act has to have some sort of effect, when it otherwise wouldn't, leading me to believe that there must be a strict 'no-impact' rule designated by the Grammy Award officials.
Typically, Rihanna performed with her hit track Umbrella alongside an umbrella carrying crew. At this point in the program I expect Prince and Beyonce to float down onto the stage in fanciful awards show manner (didn't occur at that moment, but they appeared later). Imediately redeeming itself, the awards show takes a massive turn with the honourable Cirque Du Soleil performance of Beatles songs, blending into a moving gospel rendition of Let It Be from the Across The Universe soundtrack.
The show's appeal was diminishing with each expected performance, forcing me to remind myself that I was watching The Grammys and not a more glorifying awards show. The number of downers was not nearly matched by the uppers, yet there were a few. Kanye, for example, seemed to forget he was in a charisma-free establishment and busted out the grandest performance of the night, complete with a tribute to his mother (tears included).
Purposely, i tuned out of much of the remainder of the broadcast, thankfully missing the Beyonce and Tina Turner shit show. I owe that to Fergie, who painfully missed the high note, causing me give up altogether and find something better to watch. Something that, perhaps, doesn't award mediocrity on an annual basis. Not only that, but I was feeling a pit in my stomach for Nelly Furtado, poor girl - her entire styling team must have quit on her last minute, and if thats not the case - they should be fired. I also didn't want to hear another shout-out from Amy Winehouse to her husband Blake in prison, which in combination with her obvious buzz, was not appropriate behaviour during an event where you're being honoured.
My intention was to comment on every act, award and aspect of the broadcast, and although I couldn't make it past the first hour - I don't consider myself a quitter. In fact, I went into dangerous territory and I made it out alive, enduring the battle that is 'Mainstream'. After observing such horror, I still hold hope that there will be incredible music made and recognized in 2008, if anything, for the sake of validity in awards shows!!
Typically, Rihanna performed with her hit track Umbrella alongside an umbrella carrying crew. At this point in the program I expect Prince and Beyonce to float down onto the stage in fanciful awards show manner (didn't occur at that moment, but they appeared later). Imediately redeeming itself, the awards show takes a massive turn with the honourable Cirque Du Soleil performance of Beatles songs, blending into a moving gospel rendition of Let It Be from the Across The Universe soundtrack.
The show's appeal was diminishing with each expected performance, forcing me to remind myself that I was watching The Grammys and not a more glorifying awards show. The number of downers was not nearly matched by the uppers, yet there were a few. Kanye, for example, seemed to forget he was in a charisma-free establishment and busted out the grandest performance of the night, complete with a tribute to his mother (tears included).
Purposely, i tuned out of much of the remainder of the broadcast, thankfully missing the Beyonce and Tina Turner shit show. I owe that to Fergie, who painfully missed the high note, causing me give up altogether and find something better to watch. Something that, perhaps, doesn't award mediocrity on an annual basis. Not only that, but I was feeling a pit in my stomach for Nelly Furtado, poor girl - her entire styling team must have quit on her last minute, and if thats not the case - they should be fired. I also didn't want to hear another shout-out from Amy Winehouse to her husband Blake in prison, which in combination with her obvious buzz, was not appropriate behaviour during an event where you're being honoured.
My intention was to comment on every act, award and aspect of the broadcast, and although I couldn't make it past the first hour - I don't consider myself a quitter. In fact, I went into dangerous territory and I made it out alive, enduring the battle that is 'Mainstream'. After observing such horror, I still hold hope that there will be incredible music made and recognized in 2008, if anything, for the sake of validity in awards shows!!
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