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Grammys performances are less than sensational
The Advocate
The red carpet at Sunday's Grammy Awards included the traditional gowns, glitter — and an entrance by Lady Gaga carried in on a litter while inside of a giant plastic egg.
Yeah, that's right, as if her in-your-face antics haven't blurred the lines of controversy and crazy enough. She left no doubt in the minds of television viewers that she is, yes indeed, weird.
While performing her song, "Born This Way," adorned in elastic-like spandex flesh-toned material with sharp pointed shoulder pads underneath, I was forced to wonder a few things. Mainly, what the hell has happened to the state of the music industry? Gone are the days of talented artists taking to the stage, singing songs they've written with nothing backing them but a piano.
Nowadays we are lucky to hear a note sung that isn't being overpowered by voice-altering effects, gimmicks or drowned out by a drum or guitar solo.
There are no more Marvin Gaye, Teena Marie, or Michael Jackson caliber artists, and my bet is that they wouldn't be in attendance if they were still around. While I appreciate the evolution of music and giving power to individuals coming together, the highlight and pinnacle of the show should not rest on the shoulders of a 16-year-old former You Tube sensation, with a funny hair cut, bad dance moves and a squeaky mid-puberty voice.
The state of the music industry is in desperate need of resuscitation, of life and of originality. Never before has the music taken a back seat to the production of a show which, let's face it, has become a bit of a circus and one big popularity contest. You've got recent Super bowl champion and Green Bay
Packers linebacker Clay Matthews presenting an award. A painful opening performance including Christina Aguilera trying desperately to make us forget about her recent National Anthem flub, and a brief introduction by Ricky
Martin who's desperately hoping you won't forget his "Livin' La Vida Loca" days.
Maybe, I'm being overly judgmental. Maybe I should take Miss Gaga's advice and not be a drag, just be a queen. But this queen prefers good music, her eggs hot, scrambled and served up on a plate, hold the Gaga.
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