After my play-by-play approaches to American Idol, I decided to take on Miss America and the Grammys this weekend. I had a late start on the Grammys, but was warned my by friend Jennifer to “get ready for porn and boobs.” Sadly, my Facebook viewers have dwindled as I was too busy to watch American Idol this past week. Therefore, I put up a few reviews but gathered most of my thoughts here:
“Goodbye Sexy…let’s give it up for Susan Boyle.” –Stephen Colbert
I enjoy him.
Taylor Swift had a good speech during the first award. Short but heartfelt by stating that the Grammy’s felt like an impossible dream for her. The Grammys and similar awards are impossible dreams for most. I don’t care for statements such as, “You can be anything you want to be” or “dreams do come true.” Dreams do come true for some and you can try to be anything, but no promises on either.
Beyoncé sang a portion of Alanis Morisette’s “Jagged Litte Pill.” I wonder if high school girls know the song or of Alanis? I still remember having to fight my mother to let me have the CD. I still cherish it and it’s still one of my favorites. I believe the crawling around with shaking hair was a bit much. Alanis would have been more sincere with the emotion and I don’t believe it would have resembled a striptease. Yet, the crowd seemed to enjoy it.
Pink was demure with her white, hooded drape. She took it off it to show a nude body suit with strips of white fabric. She finally got a rise out of the crowd when she revealed the second outfit. Maybe the reason the clothing at The Grammy’s is increasingly scandalous is because that is what gets attention. She got in a sling, surrounded by acrobatic artists also clad in nude clothing. I recently saw Pink perform with the similar acrobatics with a breast hanging out covered by a pastie. The acrobatic performance was interesting and required some talent, particularly since she sang during her spin and stints.
I am a fan of Miranda Lambert but she looked horrible. Her hair screamed prom and the dress was not at all age appropriate. Plus, the construction and sequins made her look wide. This should be impossible. It was so bad, I rewound the show and made Jeremy come into the room to see. Her appearance was unfortunate. One would think she’d work particularly hard to be noticeable for the right reasons as she does not have the same level of commercial experience as her peers in attendance.
I want to be friends with Fergie Ferg. First, that girl is sexy-totally fit. She rocked pants. No, they were not normal pants but they did cover her. Being sexy, but be covered can be hard when surrounded when less is considered more.
Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” was all over 20 on 20 last week. The prop drape hit Hillary in the head, but she did well with pulling it off and not letting it affect her performance. What did affect their performance was her struggle with higher notes. I understand this struggle as I have a similar comfort level within my vocal range. However, it was noticeable and it made me a bit embarrassed for her. She may be better at handling her self judgment, but I would replay that in my head to a self-deprecating degree. I did like her sequined cardigan. I like cardigans.
I wish Kings of Leon would finally find someone they can use, but I admit to enjoying the song. They admitted to being drunk, this must be common as at least one of them has moved to Franklin. I’ll stay away from any comments about “Redneck Brentwood” or Mt. Juliet. If I was able to move it would be Belle Meade, certain areas of Green Hills or Oak Hill.
Jamie Foxx had a good intro, particularly since he followed drunk Kings of Leon. “Blame it on the Alcohol” is still a good getting ready song for me – this is if I was going out. If I did go out and ran into Jamie Foxx (I apologize up front to The Mister) I’d have to try to dance with that man. FYI: I would have said this before the photo to his trainer leaked. He brought out Slash, T-Pain who shook his weave the whole time, a beat boxing man and a larger woman who seemed to “dance” more than anything.
There was not enough time for groups to thank people appropriately. Green Day seems to understand that Billy is not only their lead singer, but spokesperson.
Chris O’Donnell said “Nashville Cat” and I shook my head.
I fast forwarded through the Zac Brown Band singing “America.” I realize they started singing something else, but I didn’t partake.
Taylor Swift is not good live. I have not heard one live performance by this beautiful, tall child where she hits most of her notes. Her dancing also bugs me. Thankfully, there was not much of that. Stevie Nicks came out and I cringed. I actually exclaimed, “Go back Stevie, you don’t want to do this!” You could not hear her much, she was drowned out. I’m sure a vast majority of Taylor’s young fans do not know of Stevie Nicks or Fleetwood Mac, but they’d dig her. Everyone should dig her.
I kept wondering what is happening to the color register during the Michael Jackson tribute. Then, I saw the audience with 3D glasses. Celine Dion is an amazing singer. I don’t care what you say. That woman can sing. I appreciated Carrie Underwood coming out as a participant, and keeping it classy with her outfit. Michael Jackson was an incredibly talented artist and I am glad that someone current, talented and admired from country music was able to publicly embrace him. Jennifer Hudson needed a bigger sized dress and her bangs were a bit much. I’m tempted to state they were not her real hair. I wonder what MJ would think about Prince and Paris Jackson making such a public appearance. Considering their experience, age and the venue they did a wonderful job.
Sheryl Crow’s earrings were a bit much, they resembled a movie reel. She was wearing the rarely seen (Stephen Colbert and his daughter) lapel pin. Hopefully, when I watch the red carpet I’ll know for sure or not if it’s for Haiti.
I wonder what the age demographic for Bon Jovi is. I’m sure it is similar to the age demo for CBS. I have seen Jennifer Nettles and Bon Jovi perform together and they’re a good mix. Whenever I try to sing with her inflection my vocal cords become strained. Rumor is that she not always sang with her twang. There is no proof to that and I’m not one to state it for truth. However, if it is true, she has some stamina and I’d like to speak to her coach.
Kayne was in three of the five nominees for Best Rap/Son Collaboration. The boy is talented, but socially inept. He, Rihanna and Jay-Z won for “Run This Town.” Jay-Z and Rihanna brought up “Jules” and I agree his tux was “super fresh.”
“Bridge Over Troubled Waters” is one of my favorite songs. Andrea Bocelli and Mary J. Blige did a great rendition. If you purchase it from target.com, the proceeds go to the American Red Cross towards Haiti relief. If The Mister and I are blessed with children “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” will be a lullaby. I did not grow up with “true lullabies.” Common standards I fell asleep to were “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “Sweet Low, Sweet Chariot.” These songs were much better than “Little Bunny Foo Foo” or whatever ridiculous sing-a-long I’ve been told about.
I love Dave Matthews and will always love them. I’ve been camping one time in my life and it was for DMB tickets. If I could only a few belongings, their music would be among them. You and me forever Dave Matthews.
I would have liked Adele wining Female Pop Vocal. I understand how she was outdone in the category, but she was my personal favorite. However, Beyonce confessing she was nervous and thanking her husband was sweet and unexpected.
Maxwell is smooth. I recently called a client’s cell phone and they had “Pretty Wings” as their ringtone. It took me by surprise.
I had not heard of Imedla May, who performed with Jeff Beck. However, I will be searching for her on iTunes.
Quinton Tarantino is not known for dressing well, at the SAG Awards the man desperately needed a tailor, but what the hell was he wearing? Also, his ridiculous introduction about Drake, Eminem and Lil ‘Wayne did not help him look cool or “with it.” Much of the collaboration was silenced. I assume this is because they were representing hip-hop as Quinton tried to explain. Hip-hop is not known for changing their wording to be appropriate for all.
I cannot say I support Taylor Swift winning album of the year with 100% certainty. If you cannot perform live, you are lacking in a much needed musical skill. However, I cannot defend who else should have won. I am glad she is “brining it home to Nashville.” Overall, she is a good girl. I’m always impressed with her poise. She’s well-spoken and respectful of others. She is considered talented by being able to sing, play the guitar and write her own music. Yet, there is a part of me that feels there may be a Kayne inspired bandwagon for her.
Read Full Post »
