Grammy's breathe life into boring awards season
Bailey Reutzel
Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: Arts & Entertainment
|
Fusing technology and artistry, this year's Grammys provided music fans with top-notch performances by their favorite artists and put a new spin on the show's usual format. Featuring 3-D technology and allowing for fan interaction during the live telecast, the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards ushered in a new era for the traditional awards show.
The night featured a series of duet performances that paired nominees with legendary artists. Grammy nominee Lady GaGa and Elton John opened the show with a theatrically charged performance that set the tone for the night. The number kicked-off what proved to be a successful night for Lady GaGa, who walked away with Grammys for Best Dance Recording and Best Electronic/Dance Album.
Among the many highlights of the evening, an all-star performance of Michael Jackson's "Earth Song," accompanied by a 3-D segment from his film "This Is It," served as a fitting industry tribute to the late King of Pop. The performance, which concluded with statements by two of his children, provided one of the evening's most moving moments.
Television audiences had the opportunity to participate in this year's events via the Internet. Utilizing an online poll, viewers were given the opportunity to choose one of the songs Bon-Jovi performed in the band's first ever Grammy appearance.
Among the night's big winners, Beyonce came away with multiple awards. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" beat out songs by Kings of Leon, Lady GaGa and Taylor Swift for Song of the Year, and Beyonce took home Grammys for Best Female Pop Vocal and Best Contemporary R&B album.
The Grammy for Best New Artist went to the Zac Brown Band, and Green Day beat out AC/DC, Eric Clapton and U2 for Best Rock Album. Best Rap Album went to Eminem, and The Blacked Eyed Peas scored their only win of the night in the category of Best Pop Vocal Album.
In what was perhaps the biggest shock of the night, Taylor Swift beat out more seasoned artists such as The Black Eyed Peas, Beyonce and the Dave Matthews Band for Album of the Year. This was in addition to the Grammy she won earlier in the evening for Best Country Album.
In a departure from past years, the Grammy telecast limited on-air award presentations to mainstream categories. The new format prevented the Grammys from running over its allotted time, and allowed for expanded live musical performances by Grammy nominees. In the end, it was the performances that set the Grammys apart from other awards shows in what has proven to be a lackluster awards season.
Be the first to comment on this story