(Display Name not set)February 2006 Archives

Although there was an all-star lineup of performers at last night's Grammy Awards, there was little surprise—for me, anyway—when the winners were announced. For those who read my blog entry yesterday, you'll allow me a moment to gloat that that four out of my five "Who will win" picks were on target. (I was off on Album of the Year. I'll do better next year.)

But in truth, I don't really watch the show, year after year, to root for my favorite artists. I just really love the musical acts.

Take Bono's performance with R & B singer Mary J. Blige of U2's hit, "One." The song's message—that we're all one and we've got to share the love and "carry each other"—is timeless, but it seems a heck of a lot more relevant now than it was back in 1991, when the song was first released.

As projectors circled the stage with the word "one" lit up in different languages, Bono and Mary held hands and belted out the lyrics. It was very heartwarming—until I noticed Mary trying to upstage Bono by singing louder and louder. I thought it was pretty funny. I mean, I thought we were supposed to be "one," Mary?

Another interesting moment occurred right after Mariah Carey sang her hit, "We Belong Together." As cameras panned to Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher, who was on stage to present the next award, Teri exclaimed, "I feel like we've all just been saved!" That made me gag. If Diva Mariah's voice—which I'm convinced is just screeching, passed off as music—is going to "save me," I'll start packing up the sunblock for a extended vacation in hell.

Oddly enough, I felt the most genuine moment of the night was Kanye West and Jamie Fox's performance. Dressed as members of a marching band, with drummers and cheerleader dancers behind them, the duo sang, "Gold Digger," off of Kanye's award-winning album, "Late Registration." And as they did, I was lifted and inspired by the sound of the background vocals and beat of the drums, and I was captivated by the dancing. A little less by the lyrics, but that's a whole other issue.

Since Kanye's rise to popularity with "Jesus Walks," he's been the artist I love to hate. And, although many consider Kanye to be one of the most egotistical artists out there (myself included), I have to give credit where credit is due and say that he is one of the best live entertainers I've ever seen. He's talented, energetic, and committed to success.

So I guess this year, the best part of the Grammys wasn't seeing some of my favorite singers perform live, or even being able to brag to my friends that I'm a modern-age Nostradamus. This year's Grammys will go down in history, for me at least, as the night I made peace with Kanye West.

I love Grammy time. Although, I usually care less about the winners than I do about the performances, I decided this year to make some predictions for selected categories that are relevant to Beliefnet (or that I just wanted to sound off on). Please keep in mind, this list is non-scientific and not based on record sales or anything except my own personal love and hate of various artists. Oh yeah, and they don't reflect the opinions of Beliefnet, yada, yada, yada.

Album of the Year

• "The Emancipation Of Mimi," Mariah Carey
• "Chaos And Creation In The Backyard," Paul McCartney
• "Love. Angel. Music. Baby," Gwen Stefani
• "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb," U2
• "Late Registration," Kanye West

My pick: I think my co-workers would start throwing things at me if I went up against U2. So I'd have to choose "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb." For my own safety...

Who will win: "Late Registration," Kanye West. Why? Because Kanye controls America.

Best Gospel Performance

• "Be Blessed," Yolanda Adams
• "Looking For You," Kirk Franklin
• "I Call You Faithful," Donnie McClurkin
• "Lift Him Up," Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir
• "Pray," Cece Winans

My pick: This is a tough one, since this catagory is chock full of talent--more than any of the others. I'd have to go with "Looking For You," Kirk Franklin. I really feel this should be Kirk's year.

Who will win: CeCe Winans. Why? Because she's CeCe Winans.

Best Rock Gospel Album

• "Until My Heart Caves In," Audio Adrenaline
• "Higher Definition," The Cross Movement
• "Day of Fire," Day of Fire
• "Truth Is Fallin' In Tha Streetz," Fresh I.E.
• "Dichotomy B," Grits

My pick: By far one of my favorite albums--including mainstream albums-- of last year was Day of Fire's self-titled debut. This is how Christian rock should be done.

Who will win: "Until My Heart Caves In." Because Audio A will be retiring later this year. It will be a pity win.

Best Rock Song

• "Best of You," Foo Fighters
• "Beverly Hills,"Weezer
• "City of Blinding Lights," U2
• "Devils & Dust," Bruce Springsteen
• "Speed of Sound," Coldplay

My pick: "Beverly Hills," Weezer. I'm rooting for the underdog here.

Who will win: "City of Blinding Lights," U2. Why? Because the people in the Recording Academy who decide the winners want to go to heaven--they'd be stupid to vote against God's favorite band.

Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album

• "Lifesong," Casting Crowns
• "All I Really Want For Christmas," Steven Curtis Chapman
• "Redemption Songs," Jars of Clay
• "Hymn," Out of Eden
• "Healing Rain," Michael W. Smith
• "Live Wire," Third Day

My pick: I want to say, "Live Wire," because Third Day really knows how to rock (sometimes).

Who will win: "Lifesong," Casting Crowns. To CCM enthusiasts, Casting Crowns is the hottest thing in Christian culture since those WWJD necklaces--which by the way, even Jesus hates.

You can watch the Grammys tonight at 8p.m. ET/PT on CBS.