The Grammy's

I really enjoyed watching the Grammy's this year, and have for the past several years. I am kind of an awards show freak. I say "kind of" because I don't watch all of them, and I don't have the time to watch the red carpet arrivals like I used to. My favorite award shows are the Emmy's, because I watch so much television, and the Grammy's, because I like music. I also like the Golden Globes, because it's about movies and tv, and I like watching tipsy celebrities trying to navigate their way through the maze of tables to ascend the stage.

I don't consider myself an entertainment whore, but I like to see who arrives with who, and what everyone is wearing. Even though Joan is gone and the show isn't the same, I watch the Fashion Police to see if I agree with their best and worst dressed at the awards shows.

Some of my favorite aspects of the Grammy's show:
1) I like how the Grammy's often have singers or groups perform together. Sometimes its someone new on the scene singing with a legend, like Sara Bareilles sharing the stage with Carole King. Sometimes they pair two new performers. And sometimes its about about a bunch of powerhouses coming together to create magic, such as when Stevie Wonder, Pharrell Williams, Daft Punk, and Nile Rogers got everyone on their feet and dancing to "Get Lucky." This year the audience was grooving to a medley of Music Cares Person of the Year Lionel Ritchie's songs, performed by John Legend, Meghan Trainor, Demi Lovato, Luke Bryan, Tyrese, and the man himself.

2) The Grammy's introduces me to performers and songs that I might not have listened to otherwise. I think I am much more open-minded than I used to be about music. I know that I'm not a fan of most rap or country, but I watch every performance on the Grammy's, and I'm often surprised by what I like. This year I really enjoyed Little Big Town's rendition of "Girl Crush," and it has played in my head off and on all week.

3) It warms my heart to see industry people celebrating each other. I know a lot people think celebrities are vapid and don't deserve the fame and money that they have, but I don't necessarily agree. Sure, some celebrities are assholes. But lots of regular people are assholes too. I think singers and musicians work very hard, and they deserve to enjoy the money that they earn. I like seeing people celebrating each other's accomplishments and achievements, and appreciating each other's music. It was great to see someone like Dave Grohl smiling and swaying to "All Night Long," for example. And I know a lot of people think Taylor Swift is a spotlight grabber, often jumping out of her seat and going crazy when someone else wins, or dancing energetically in the audience. But I like that she is so enthusiastic. She doesn't just sit in her seat and look bored. She is fun to watch. And she is close friends with Ed Sheeren, so she was genuinely thrilled when he beat her for Song of the Year on Monday night.

4) The Grammy's in particular used to be quite out of touch with the people who buy and listen to music. I'll never forget when Jethro Tull won the Grammy in 1988 for Best Hard Rock / Metal album. But now I think the Grammy's are much more in tune, pun intended. Rapper Kendrick Lamar was the big winner of the night, and Taylor Swift won Album of the Year. In addition, one of the most popular songs of 2015, Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk" won Record of the Year.

The Grammy's telecast is always a long show, and I went to bed slightly past my bedtime. But it was worth it.

librarianintx