The Grammys

Sunday was the annual Grammy extravaganza and I’ve waited to let people calm down after finding out that “so-and-so” was ripped off and should have won such and such award.

Once upon a time the Grammys were an awards show. The Oscars of the music industry. Times change and the Grammys have changed as well. Once upon a time Grammy nominees were artists more than performers. That time is no more. The performer reigns supreme. Sunday night’s show was more like a 3 1/2 hour concert with a spattering of awards given throughout.

There were exciting duos (Elton John and Lady Gaga) and extravagant performances (Beyonce‘ and P!nk). There was a moving tribute in 3D  (RIP Michael Jackson) and a performance that may have made you wonder how people get record deals (Taylor Swift). What this Grammy show did not have were many awards. 99 out of the 109 awards that were given out on Sunday were given during the Pre-tel that began hours before the actual awards show.

There is a lot of criticism out in the world right now about who won what awards and who should have won them. I don’t know how people think that the Grammy winners are chosen but just because a song is well written and well sung/played it doesn’t mean that it will win. Keep in mind that once upon a time Milli Vanilli won a Grammy for best new artist in 1990. Sure they had to give it up, but they won. Why did they win? Their songs were popular. Sure Lady Gaga has had some hits lately but Taylor Swift is a more popular artist. Gaga still freaks people out. Maybe next year will be different.

This year the Grammys were seen through another aspect as well, Twitter. Well, really, any social media like Facebook, tumblr, etc., but I think Twitter was the king of the night. As many other people did, I followed the Grammy coverage on Twitter. The Grammys have a twitter account and used it last year but it just wasn’t the same use as this year. Fans were more involved in commentary about the show than ever before. Everyone and their mother tweeted their opinions about the winners and in many cases, spoiled the show for everyone that just wanted to know the winners. After the Taylor/Kanye fiasco during MTV’s VMA show I was surprised at how many people were tweeting, “Where is Kanye when you need him” in response to Taylor taking home the Album of the Year award.

Also, in response to the many country fans that felt that Country wasn’t represented enough at the Grammys, aside from Miss Swift,  I say these four things: First, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland got to sing with Bon Jovi. Second, Lady Antebellum won the Grammy for best country performance by a duo or group. Third, the Zac Brown Band took home the best new artist Grammy. And fourth, Country music has the CMAs, the ACM awards, and the Grammys. Lighten up country fans.

So, what are your thoughts on the Grammys?