Showing posts with label Lil Wayne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lil Wayne. Show all posts
1/02/2012
Amazing songs
The year 2011 saw many artists release amazing songs and some, well, not so amazing. Either way, we enjoyed them!
From the amazing Adele to new entrants such as Bon Iver, Skrillex and Nicki Minaj, all fought profusely for the top spot. No questions asked, it belongs to Adele, obviously.
I decided to find out the top 20 songs of 2011 as we don't have much of year-end charts in Bahrain.
So here they are, and remember they are based on the music, not popularity.
I'm sure most of you haven't heard some of these songs. If you haven't, then you must. They are amazing. The Top 20 Songs Of 2011:
1. Adele - Rolling In The Deep
2. Adele - Someone Like You
3. Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks
4. Jay-Z & Kanye West - Niggas In Paris
5. Frank Ocean - Novacene
6. Bon Iver - Holocene
7. Lady Gaga - The Edge Of Glory
8. Chris Brown Ft Busta Rhymes & Lil Wayne - Look At Me Now
9. Nicki Minaj - Superbass
10. The Joy Formidable - Whirring
11. Katy Perry - Firework
12. Beyonce - Countdown
13. Radiohead - Lotus Flower
14. Nicola Roberts - Beat Of My Heart
15. Lady Gaga - You And I
16. Drake Ft Rihanna - Take Care
17. SBTRKT - Wildfire
18. Pistol Annies - Hell On Heels
19. Rihanna - We Found Love
20. Tony Bennet & Amy Winehouse - Body & Soul
12/29/2011
Skrillex is surprised about his 5 Grammy nods
NEW YORK — Many people were surprised when the name Skrillex was announced in the best new artist category, along with the likes of Nicki Minaj and The Band Perry, during this week's televised Grammy nominations special.
Count Skrillex as one of them.
A day after earning a whopping five nominations in total, the 23-year-old dance and dub-step producer is still taking it all in.
"It just hasn't really hit me yet," he said in a phone interview from Manchester, United Kingdom on Thursday. "I wouldn't have thought I would come this far in so many ways."
Skrillex scored the third-most nominations, matching Lil Wayne. Kanye West leads with seven nods; Adele, the Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars scored six each.
The Los Angeles-based Skrillex, born Sonny Moore, may be best known for "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" (he's also a producer on Korn's new album, "The Path of Totality," out next week).
Skrillex hasn't had much success on the Billboard charts -- he's more of an underground artist. He'll have some tough competition in the best new artist category: Besides facing The Band Perry and Minaj, who were both nominated for Grammys earlier this year and have dominated their respective fields and at other awards shows, he'll compete with Bon Iver, a critical darling, and J. Cole, who had a No.1 album and is the protege of Jay-Z.
Skrillex is nominated for best dance recording for "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites," and also nominated for best dance/electronica album for his EP, which shares the same name. In 2010, Lady Gaga earned those trophies, and Rihanna's "Only Girl (In the World)" was the winner of best dance recording earlier this year.
Skrillex will have to battle Toronto's Deadmau5, Robyn and David Guetta, acts who come from a similar background to his.
"I feel very proud of where I come from," Skrillex said of being in the electronic music scene, a genre that has exploded on Top 40 radio in recent years. "I do feel like I represent something and I'm a part of something and it's an honour to be there."
Skrillex, who is also nominated for best remixed recording (non-classical) and best short form music video, says he hopes his Grammy love will give more attention to the dance music genre.
"I just hope it opens more doors for next year, not only Grammy nominations, but just everything in general," he said.
The Grammys will be held Feb. 12 in Los Angeles.
12/18/2011
Louisiana artists grab Grammy nominations, also Skrillex is now "Grammy nominated"
Nominations for the 54th annual Grammy Awards were announced yesterday, and hey, Louisiana didn't do so bad!
In the ring for the new "best regional roots album category" are three Louisiana acts: Rebirth Brass Band received a nomination for the impeccable Rebirth of New Orleans. C.J. Chenier also earned a nomination for Can’t Sit Down.
Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys also land in the category, for the album Grand Isle — read Dege Legg's story in Gambit on the oil disaster-inspired homage (produced by C.C. Adcock) from Lafayette's Cajun music pioneers. Legg wrote, prophetically, "Like recent albums by other eminent Cajun/zydeco artists, it's likely Grand Isle will be nominated for a Grammy Award. The songs, the timing, the collective effort and the historical stature and robust discography of Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys are very much in evidence on this album even when they are attempting to deconstruct and/or evade the legacy of their past."
Other Louisiana nominations: New Orleans' ex-pat Lil Wayne somehow grabbed five nominations from his disappointing Tha Carter IV. Harry Connick Jr. was nominated for best traditional pop vocal album for In Concert on Broadway. Gospel group Trin-i-tee 5:7’s Angel & Chanelle earned a nod for best gospel album.
And a surprise nomination went to The Banana Plant for GulfAlive, up for best children's album. The album uses music to bring to life the wildlife of Louisiana's Gulf, using funk and Cajun music geared for kids' ears. (GulfAlive also comes with a coloring book.) Portions of the sale of the album benefit the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. "When we heard that the oil-spill response plans of major oil companies discussed how to protect walruses in the Gulf, we felt an obligation to enlighten the world about this wonderfully unique region," said Gwynn Torres, part of The Banana Plant duo with Sid Berger, both ad executives and jingle writers.
In other Grammy notables: Skrillex, a musician from the fictional "dubstep" universe and rare water-based Pokemon, somehow earned five nominations. (What is a Skrillex, you ask? Here you go.)
Also, Kanye West (who with Jay-Z performs at the New Orleans Arena on Saturday; tickets are $mortgage payment-$GDP of New Zealand) earned seven nominations, for both the near-perfect My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and his Jay-Z collab Watch the Throne. Bon Iver received four noms, including record of the year, song of the year, best new artist and best alternative album.
12/12/2011
NEW YORK — Taylor Swift doesn't think the Recording Academy is mean.
Though she won the Grammy for album of the year in 2010, she's not sad
her latest multiplatinum effort isn't up for the honor this time around.
"I got three nominations. I was just so excited," she said Friday, before she was honored as Billboard's "Woman of the Year."
Among the Swift achievements that led to her Billboard honor was the best-selling performance of her third album "Speak Now," which has sold more than 3.7 million copies and generated hits like "Mine" and "Mean."
There was some surprise when the critically acclaimed album wasn't among the overall best album nominees when the Grammy nominations were revealed Wednesday, but Swift says she's excited by her nominations, which include best country album and two for "Mean," in which she answers her critics and challenges bullies.
"That song is so personal, and I'm so glad that the Grammys recognized it," she said on the red carpet ahead of the event.
Swift got a standing ovation as she accepted her honor. Swift recalled reading Billboard as a teen, pouring over its pages and hoping one day to see her name in the trade magazine.
"I got here today and there were all these flashing camera bulbs ... I got to the table, and I saw the magazine on the chair and it had me on it," she said. "All the daydreams I had as a little kid, I guess this is what it looked like."
One of the country singer's favorite artists, Nicki Minaj, was also honored at the event as Billboard's "Rising Star."
Like Swift, Minaj was rocking blonde bangs.
But the rapper and singer got teary-eyed at the event when Minaj received her honor. She's costarred on dozens of hit songs in the last two years, and her debut CD, "Pink Friday," has sold more than 1.6 million copies in the United States. Minaj is nominated for four Grammys, including best new artist, pitting her against the Band Perry, Bon Iver, Skrillex and J. Cole.
"I don't ever expect to win those kinds of things, but it's good to be recognized and it's good for girls to see that you can do whatever kind of music that you want to do," Minaj said on the red carpet.
Minaj is also up for best rap album, where she'll face her mentor, Lil Wayne, as well as Kanye West, Jay-Z and Lupe Fiasco. She says she's diligent, and that lethargic people annoy her.
"I always say hard work pays off. Don't be lazy. I am racist against lazy people. I wish they would not exist in this world," she said.
Minaj, known for her outrageous and colorful fashion style, says she's learning to "trust my first instinct." The 28-year-old says proof of that will show on her upcoming album, "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded," due out on Valentine's Day.
"Things are happening so much easier for me now because I was over-thinking on the first album. I was trying to give people what I thought they needed, and what I needed my reputation to be," she said. "And now it's like, 'I don't care what you think. I'm going to do what I wanna do for my core fans and if you like it, you like it. If you don't, bye!'"
"I got three nominations. I was just so excited," she said Friday, before she was honored as Billboard's "Woman of the Year."
Among the Swift achievements that led to her Billboard honor was the best-selling performance of her third album "Speak Now," which has sold more than 3.7 million copies and generated hits like "Mine" and "Mean."
There was some surprise when the critically acclaimed album wasn't among the overall best album nominees when the Grammy nominations were revealed Wednesday, but Swift says she's excited by her nominations, which include best country album and two for "Mean," in which she answers her critics and challenges bullies.
"That song is so personal, and I'm so glad that the Grammys recognized it," she said on the red carpet ahead of the event.
Swift got a standing ovation as she accepted her honor. Swift recalled reading Billboard as a teen, pouring over its pages and hoping one day to see her name in the trade magazine.
"I got here today and there were all these flashing camera bulbs ... I got to the table, and I saw the magazine on the chair and it had me on it," she said. "All the daydreams I had as a little kid, I guess this is what it looked like."
One of the country singer's favorite artists, Nicki Minaj, was also honored at the event as Billboard's "Rising Star."
Like Swift, Minaj was rocking blonde bangs.
But the rapper and singer got teary-eyed at the event when Minaj received her honor. She's costarred on dozens of hit songs in the last two years, and her debut CD, "Pink Friday," has sold more than 1.6 million copies in the United States. Minaj is nominated for four Grammys, including best new artist, pitting her against the Band Perry, Bon Iver, Skrillex and J. Cole.
"I don't ever expect to win those kinds of things, but it's good to be recognized and it's good for girls to see that you can do whatever kind of music that you want to do," Minaj said on the red carpet.
Minaj is also up for best rap album, where she'll face her mentor, Lil Wayne, as well as Kanye West, Jay-Z and Lupe Fiasco. She says she's diligent, and that lethargic people annoy her.
"I always say hard work pays off. Don't be lazy. I am racist against lazy people. I wish they would not exist in this world," she said.
Minaj, known for her outrageous and colorful fashion style, says she's learning to "trust my first instinct." The 28-year-old says proof of that will show on her upcoming album, "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded," due out on Valentine's Day.
"Things are happening so much easier for me now because I was over-thinking on the first album. I was trying to give people what I thought they needed, and what I needed my reputation to be," she said. "And now it's like, 'I don't care what you think. I'm going to do what I wanna do for my core fans and if you like it, you like it. If you don't, bye!'"
A Grammy Nominations Rundown
The 2012 Grammy nominations were released Wednesday Nov. 30:
Kanye West topped the charts receiving seven nominations, including "Song of the Year," "Best Rap Album," "Best Rap/Sung Collaboration" and "Best Rap Performance."
Following West's seven nominations, Adele, Bruno Mars and Foo Fighters all received six nominations.
Coming in third in number of nominations, DJ Skrillex and rapper Lil Wayne tied with five nominations each.
Amusingly enough, this year's Grammy crowd is actually carried by one of the oldest members of the crew, West, who is 34.
With four of five of the artists up for "Album of the Year" under the age of 26, Adele, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Bruno Mars, it seems that the Grammy Awards may finally be shifting to the younger generation of artists picking up the year's largest prizes.
Nominations for "Best New Artist" include:
Nicki Minaj
Skrillex
J. Cole
Bon Iver
The Band Perry
And for "Song of the Year:"
Adele
Bruno Mars
Bon Iver
Mumfor & Sons
Kanye West ft. Rihanna
Fergie
Despite West's impressive seven nominations, spotlights have actually been shining on Adele, as her six nominations shout loud and proud as she recovers from vocal surgery after cancelling her remaining shows for this year.
One of America's beloved sweethearts, Taylor Swift, actually slipped under the radar this year picking up only two nominations, for "Best Country Solo Performance" and "Best Country Song."
Nominations for "Best Rap Performance" include:
Lupe Fiaso
Wiz Khalifa
Nicki Minaj and Drake
Jay-Z and Kanye West
Chris Brown with Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes
And for "Best Rap Album:"
Jay-Z and Kanye West
Lil Wayne
Lupe Fiasco
Nicki Minaj
Kanye West
Two of the largest controversies surrounding this year's nominations actually include two of the top recipients, as well as America's country sweetheart once again.
The world was shocked to find out Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" was not nominated for "Song of the Year," and equal emotions were felt as West and Swift both missed nominations for "Album of the Year."
According to a poll on CBS.com, fans believe Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" will end up as the "Album of the Year" winner, as all other nominees trail her high percentage in the poll. Metrolyrics.com has similar predictions; "Song of the Year Predictions" names "Rolling in the Deep" as the top contender.
Apparently, West's high number of nominations won't make a difference, according to The Atlantic. Their predictions appear quite similar to others with Adele taking home the top prizes and West's songs coming out far from the top.
Although some shocks and surprises were shared, as they are every year, this year's Grammy's look to be a competitive, exhilarating and monumental competition that will match some very talented artists up against one another.
Kanye West topped the charts receiving seven nominations, including "Song of the Year," "Best Rap Album," "Best Rap/Sung Collaboration" and "Best Rap Performance."
Following West's seven nominations, Adele, Bruno Mars and Foo Fighters all received six nominations.
Coming in third in number of nominations, DJ Skrillex and rapper Lil Wayne tied with five nominations each.
Amusingly enough, this year's Grammy crowd is actually carried by one of the oldest members of the crew, West, who is 34.
With four of five of the artists up for "Album of the Year" under the age of 26, Adele, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Bruno Mars, it seems that the Grammy Awards may finally be shifting to the younger generation of artists picking up the year's largest prizes.
Nominations for "Best New Artist" include:
Nicki Minaj
Skrillex
J. Cole
Bon Iver
The Band Perry
And for "Song of the Year:"
Adele
Bruno Mars
Bon Iver
Mumfor & Sons
Kanye West ft. Rihanna
Fergie
Despite West's impressive seven nominations, spotlights have actually been shining on Adele, as her six nominations shout loud and proud as she recovers from vocal surgery after cancelling her remaining shows for this year.
One of America's beloved sweethearts, Taylor Swift, actually slipped under the radar this year picking up only two nominations, for "Best Country Solo Performance" and "Best Country Song."
Nominations for "Best Rap Performance" include:
Lupe Fiaso
Wiz Khalifa
Nicki Minaj and Drake
Jay-Z and Kanye West
Chris Brown with Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes
And for "Best Rap Album:"
Jay-Z and Kanye West
Lil Wayne
Lupe Fiasco
Nicki Minaj
Kanye West
Two of the largest controversies surrounding this year's nominations actually include two of the top recipients, as well as America's country sweetheart once again.
The world was shocked to find out Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" was not nominated for "Song of the Year," and equal emotions were felt as West and Swift both missed nominations for "Album of the Year."
According to a poll on CBS.com, fans believe Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" will end up as the "Album of the Year" winner, as all other nominees trail her high percentage in the poll. Metrolyrics.com has similar predictions; "Song of the Year Predictions" names "Rolling in the Deep" as the top contender.
Apparently, West's high number of nominations won't make a difference, according to The Atlantic. Their predictions appear quite similar to others with Adele taking home the top prizes and West's songs coming out far from the top.
Although some shocks and surprises were shared, as they are every year, this year's Grammy's look to be a competitive, exhilarating and monumental competition that will match some very talented artists up against one another.
Grammy surprise: Who's that? His name is Skrillex
Many people were surprised when the name Skrillex was announced in
the best new artist category, along with the likes of Nicki Minaj and
The Band Perry, during this week's televised Grammy nominations special.
Count Skrillex as one of them.
A day after earning a whopping five nominations in total, the 23-year-old dance and dub-step producer is still taking it all in.
"It just hasn't really hit me yet," he said in a phone interview from Manchester, United Kingdom on Thursday. "I wouldn't have thought I would come this far in so many ways."
Skrillex scored the third-most nominations, matching Lil Wayne. Kanye West leads with seven nods; Adele, the Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars scored six each.
The Los Angeles-based Skrillex, born Sonny Moore, may be best known for "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" (he's also a producer on Korn's new album, "The Path of Totality," out next week).
Skrillex hasn't had much success on the Billboard charts — he's more of an underground artist. He'll have some tough competition in the best new artist category: Besides facing The Band Perry and Minaj, who were both nominated for Grammys earlier this year and have dominated their respective fields and at other awards shows, he'll compete with Bon Iver, a critical darling, and J. Cole, who had a No.1 album and is the protege of Jay-Z.
Skrillex is nominated for best dance recording for "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites," and also nominated for best dance/electronica album for his EP, which shares the same name. In 2010, Lady Gaga earned those trophies, and Rihanna's "Only Girl (In the World)" was the winner of best dance recording earlier this year.
Skrillex will have to battle Robyn, Deadmau5 and David Guetta, acts who come from a similar background to his.
"I feel very proud of where I come from," Skrillex said of being in the electronic music scene, a genre that has exploded on Top 40 radio in recent years. "I do feel like I represent something and I'm a part of something and it's an honor to be there."
Skrillex, who is also nominated for best remixed recording (non-classical) and best short form music video, says he hopes his Grammy love will give more attention to the dance music genre.
"I just hope it opens more doors for next year, not only Grammy nominations, but just everything in general," he said.
The Grammys will be held Feb. 12 in Los Angeles.
____
Online:
www.skrillex.com
www.grammys.com
Count Skrillex as one of them.
A day after earning a whopping five nominations in total, the 23-year-old dance and dub-step producer is still taking it all in.
"It just hasn't really hit me yet," he said in a phone interview from Manchester, United Kingdom on Thursday. "I wouldn't have thought I would come this far in so many ways."
Skrillex scored the third-most nominations, matching Lil Wayne. Kanye West leads with seven nods; Adele, the Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars scored six each.
The Los Angeles-based Skrillex, born Sonny Moore, may be best known for "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" (he's also a producer on Korn's new album, "The Path of Totality," out next week).
Skrillex hasn't had much success on the Billboard charts — he's more of an underground artist. He'll have some tough competition in the best new artist category: Besides facing The Band Perry and Minaj, who were both nominated for Grammys earlier this year and have dominated their respective fields and at other awards shows, he'll compete with Bon Iver, a critical darling, and J. Cole, who had a No.1 album and is the protege of Jay-Z.
Skrillex is nominated for best dance recording for "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites," and also nominated for best dance/electronica album for his EP, which shares the same name. In 2010, Lady Gaga earned those trophies, and Rihanna's "Only Girl (In the World)" was the winner of best dance recording earlier this year.
Skrillex will have to battle Robyn, Deadmau5 and David Guetta, acts who come from a similar background to his.
"I feel very proud of where I come from," Skrillex said of being in the electronic music scene, a genre that has exploded on Top 40 radio in recent years. "I do feel like I represent something and I'm a part of something and it's an honor to be there."
Skrillex, who is also nominated for best remixed recording (non-classical) and best short form music video, says he hopes his Grammy love will give more attention to the dance music genre.
"I just hope it opens more doors for next year, not only Grammy nominations, but just everything in general," he said.
The Grammys will be held Feb. 12 in Los Angeles.
____
Online:
www.skrillex.com
www.grammys.com
12/08/2011
Grammy surprise: Skrillex
Many people were surprised when the name Skrillex was announced in
the best new artist category, along with the likes of Nicki Minaj and
the Band Perry, during last week’s televised Grammy nominations special.
Count Skrillex as one of them.
A day after earning a whopping five nominations, the 23-year-old dance and dub-step producer was still taking it all in.
“It just hasn’t really hit me yet,” he said in a phone interview from Manchester, England. “I wouldn’t have thought I would come this far in so many ways.”
Skrillex scored the third-most nominations, matching Lil Wayne. Kanye West leads with seven nods; Adele, the Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars scored six each.
The Los Angeles-based Skrillex, born Sonny Moore, may be best known for “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” (he’s also a producer on Korn’s new album, “The Path of Totality,” out this week).
Skrillex hasn’t had much success on the Billboard charts — he’s more of an underground artist. He’ll have some tough competition in the best new artist category: Besides facing the Band Perry and Minaj, who have dominated their respective fields, he’ll compete with Bon Iver, a critical darling, and J. Cole, who had a No. 1 album and is the protege of Jay-Z.
Skrillex is nominated for best dance recording for “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,” as well as best dance/electronica album for his EP, which shares the same name. In 2010, Lady Gaga earned those trophies, and Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In the World)” was the winner of best dance recording earlier this year.
Skrillex will have to battle Robyn, Deadmau5 and David Guetta, acts who come from a background similar to his.
“I feel very proud of where I come from,” Skrillex said of being in the electronic music scene, a genre that has exploded on Top 40 radio in recent years. “I do feel like I represent something and I’m a part of something and it’s an honor to be there.”
Skrillex, who is also nominated for best remixed recording (non-classical) and best short form music video, says he hopes his Grammy love will give more attention to the dance music genre.
“I just hope it opens more doors for next year, not only Grammy nominations, but just everything in general,” he said.
The Grammys will be Feb. 12 in Los Angeles.
Count Skrillex as one of them.
A day after earning a whopping five nominations, the 23-year-old dance and dub-step producer was still taking it all in.
“It just hasn’t really hit me yet,” he said in a phone interview from Manchester, England. “I wouldn’t have thought I would come this far in so many ways.”
Skrillex scored the third-most nominations, matching Lil Wayne. Kanye West leads with seven nods; Adele, the Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars scored six each.
The Los Angeles-based Skrillex, born Sonny Moore, may be best known for “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” (he’s also a producer on Korn’s new album, “The Path of Totality,” out this week).
Skrillex hasn’t had much success on the Billboard charts — he’s more of an underground artist. He’ll have some tough competition in the best new artist category: Besides facing the Band Perry and Minaj, who have dominated their respective fields, he’ll compete with Bon Iver, a critical darling, and J. Cole, who had a No. 1 album and is the protege of Jay-Z.
Skrillex is nominated for best dance recording for “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,” as well as best dance/electronica album for his EP, which shares the same name. In 2010, Lady Gaga earned those trophies, and Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In the World)” was the winner of best dance recording earlier this year.
Skrillex will have to battle Robyn, Deadmau5 and David Guetta, acts who come from a background similar to his.
“I feel very proud of where I come from,” Skrillex said of being in the electronic music scene, a genre that has exploded on Top 40 radio in recent years. “I do feel like I represent something and I’m a part of something and it’s an honor to be there.”
Skrillex, who is also nominated for best remixed recording (non-classical) and best short form music video, says he hopes his Grammy love will give more attention to the dance music genre.
“I just hope it opens more doors for next year, not only Grammy nominations, but just everything in general,” he said.
The Grammys will be Feb. 12 in Los Angeles.
12/07/2011
Guessing the 2012 Grammys
Predictions on who will be honored on “music’s
biggest night”, based on a mixture of rumors, critical acclaim, and the
academy’s voters.
Adele’s 21 vs. Bruno Mars’ Doo-Wops And Hooligans, Foo Fighters’ Wasting Light, Lady Gaga’s Born This Way, and Rihanna’s Loud
Adele is one of those rare artists that both critics and music fans adore. You don’t have to be psychic to foresee her leaving the ceremony with an armful of trophies, which will include this nod to the most-lauded album of the year.
Record of the Year
Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” vs. Bon Iver’s “Holocene”, Mumford & Sons’ “The Cave”, Katy Perry’s “Firework”, and Bruno Mars’ “Grenade”
“Rolling in the Deep” was THE song of 2011. You heard it in commercials, on multiple radio stations every five minutes, and repeatedly covered on TV talent shows.
Song of the Year
Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” vs. Mumford & Sons’ “The Cave”, Bon Iver’s “Holocene”, Kanye West feat. Rihanna, Kid Cudi, and Fergie’s “All of the Lights”, and Bruno Mars’ “Grenade”
Being that this is a songwriter’s award, the voters love to see it go to a song performed by its main songwriter. Not to mention, it would be a shame to see it not go to Adele’s modern classic.
Best Pop Solo Performance
Lady Gaga’s “You and I” vs. Adele’s “Someone Like You”, Katy Perry’s “Firework”, Pink’s “F***in’ Perfect”, and Bruno Mars’ “Grenade”
A combination of the former “Best Male Pop Vocal” and “Best Female Pop Vocal” categories, look for the best track off of Gaga’s latest album to take the prize. (Especially after this performance aired on the 2011 Grammy Nominations Concert special.)
New Artist
Niki Minaj vs. the Band Perry, Bon Iver, Skrillex, and J. Cole
This year’s Grammy’s will be another “ladies’ night”, with Minaj being another big winner. Then again, I wouldn’t be surprised if the voters chose the up-and-coming country group instead.
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse’s “Body & Soul” vs. Foster the People’s “Pumped Up Kicks”, Maroon 5 & Christina Aguilera’s “Moves Like Jagger”, the Black Keys’ “Dearest”, and Coldplay’s “Paradise”
A few years ago, Amy Winehouse brought a lot of excitement to the awards, which helped introduce her talent to a nationwide audience. Though her promising career was put to an end by her tragic death, voters still have the chance to honor her one more time, with this duet with a Grammy favorite.
Best R&B Album
Kelly Price’s Kelly vs. Ledisi’s Pieces of Me, R Kelly’s Love Letter, Chris Brown’s F.A.M.E, and El DeBarge’s Second Chance
The academy’s new rules made controversial changes in the R&B categories, merging “traditional” R&B with the more well-known acts. So look for one of those lesser-known, critically acclaimed artists to be honored instead.
Best Rap Album
Niki Minaj’s Pink Friday vs. Jay-Z and Kanye West’s Watch the Throne, Kanye West’s My Beautiful, Dark, Twisted Fantasy, Lil’ Wayne’s Tha Carter IV, and Lupe Fiasco’s Lasers
Niki Minaj was one of last year’s biggest success stories. Voters love to see a woman take charge in a typically male-dominated field, and given that this album was the introduction to her career, they will easily choose to honor it.
Best Country Album
Lady Antebellum’s Own the Night vs. Taylor Swift’s Speak Now, George Strait’s Here for a Good Time, Blake Shelton’s Red River Blue, Eric Church’s Chief, and Jason Aldean’s My Kinda Party
Lady Antebellum are the country darlings of the awards, and since they haven’t had a “Need You Now”-sized hit recently, this is their category.
Best Country Song
Taylor Swift’s “Mean” vs. Thompson Square’s “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”, Vince Gill’s “Threaten Me With Heaven”, Dave Barnes’ “God Gave Me You”, Kenny Chesney & Grace Potter’s “You and Tequila”, and Trace Adkins’ “Just Fishin’”
Due to lack of other nominations, the Academy seems to be feeling a little Swift fatigue, but chances are that they will like this self-written ode to critics.
Best Rock Album
Foo Fighters’ Wasting Light vs. Red Hot Chili Peppers’ I’m With You, Kings of Leon’s Come Around Sundown, Wilco’s The Whole Love, and Jeff Beck’s Rock N Roll Party Honoring Les Paul
The Foos are Grammy favorites, but haven’t had the chance to be honored in several years. Look for their first #1 album to also please the voters.
Best Rock Performance
Mumford & Sons’ “The Cave” vs. Foo Fighters’ “Walk”, Radiohead’s “Lotus Flower”, the Decemberists “Down by the Water”, and Coldplay’s “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall
Mumford & Sons are obviously loved by the academy, as proved with their many nominations this year. While they won’t take home any of the big categories, they will certainly pick something up.
Best Alternative Music Album
Bon Iver’s Bon Iver vs. Foster the People’s Torches, Radiohead’s The King of Limbs, Death Cab for Cutie’s Codes and Keys, and My Morning Jacket’s Circuital
A favorite of many “best of the year” lists, this award clearly belongs to Bon Iver’s sophomore breakthrough.
Best Dance Recording
Duck Sauce’s “Barbra Streisand” vs. Robyn’s “Call Your Girlfriend”, Skrillex’s “Scary Monsters and Nice Spirits”, Deadmau5 & Greta Svabo Bech’s “Raise Your Weapon”, Swedish House Mafia’s “Save the World”, and David Guetta & Avicii’s “Sunshine”
Call me crazy, but isn’t it likely that the vast majority of the Academy’s older voters will vote for “Barbra Streisand” based on its name (and lyrics) alone?
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