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Which Grammy Performance Was The Best Of The Night? (Poll)

Posted 2/13/12 9:00 am EST by in Grammys, Newsroom Poll


The Grammys often offer up some of the best musical performances of the year and this year's awards were no exception.

The impact of Whitney Houston's tragic passing on Saturday was felt throughout the ceremony as many of the evening's performers and presenters took a moment to honor the legendary singer. "Make some noise for Whitney!" Rihanna proclaimed during her high energy take on "We Found Love."

Bruno Mars was equally demanding. During his performance of "Runaway," he declared, "Yo, tonight we celebrate. We celebrate the beautiful Miss Whitney Houston. Get off your rich asses and let's have fun!"

Then, of course, there was Jennifer Hudson's take on "I Will Always Love You," which brought the house down!

But which performance was your favorite? Vote in our poll below and let us know! Read More...

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Grammy Snubs: Beyonce And Britney Were Robbed, Kanye West, Lady Gaga And Taylor Swift Should Have Gotten Even More Love

Posted 12/1/11 1:24 pm EST by in Beyonce, Britney Spears, Grammys, Kanye West, Lady Gaga


Last night's announcement of the nominees for the 2012 Grammys came with them few surprises: Kanye West earned a leading seven nominations for his solo work on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and the Jay-Z collaboration Watch the Throne and Adele's mega-selling 21 and its ubiquitous lead single "Rolling in the Deep" dominated the top categories. There were, however, several notable snubs among the nominations, the most glaring of which we've cataloged below.

Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Album of the Year

How Kanye West could score the most nominations, including Best Song for "All of the Lights," and not see his critically adored Fantasy nominated for Album of the Year is beyond us. The set enjoys a 94 out of 100 rating on album review aggregator Metacritic, a full 18 points better than the highest-rated album to make the Grammy cut (Adele's 21 with a 76).

Lady Gaga's "The Edge of Glory," Song of the Year

Lady Gaga has released so many singles off her hit album Born This Way that we sometimes lose track, but the one track that has really stuck is "The Edge of Glory." Lyrically inspired by the death of her grandfather, the song features soaring hooks and the most anthemic chorus to hit Top 40 radio this year. That the Academy chose to honor only four songs with nominations in this category rather than the usual five while overlooking the highlight of an album it chose to award a nomination for Album of the Year is silly business.

Read on for more. Read More...

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The Grammys Slim Down, For Their Health And Ours

Posted 4/7/11 4:30 pm EST by in Grammys, Music, Television


By Jett Wells

Smaller, better, faster, shorter. No, these aren’t the lyrics to a Daft Punk remix; it’s just the mantra of America's post-Google culture. If our entertainment and technology is getting faster, shorter and more efficient as consumer attention span shrinks at an alarming rate, should our award shows be any different?

The answer, apparently, is no. On Wednesday, the Grammys announced they’re shrinking the awards show by shaving off 31 total awards, downsizing from a whopping 109 categories to 78 (for comparison's sake, the Academy Awards only have 24). Such a drastic move makes one think the glamorous award ceremony just came off a rough few years, ratings-wise, but that couldn’t be further from the truth; the 2011 Grammys posted the best ratings in 10 years, so why the change?

It’s not so much a numbers game, but an outreach issue; by taking away some of what, to the average music fan, could be viewed as esoteric niche categories, the Grammys are — as Recording Academy president Neil Portnow put it — "demonstrat[ing] its dedication to keeping the Academy a pertinent and responsive organization in our dynamic music community." Simply put, the Grammys needed a good haircut, thought there might be even bigger problems ahead.

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The Grammy Awards: Five Things That Need To Change

Posted 2/14/11 5:00 pm EST by in Grammys


After the final award of the night was given out at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the Grammy Awards had declared a number of winners. Some were literal, in the sense that Lady Gaga, Eminem, Lady Antebellum and Arcade Fire all walked away with high-profile wins in some of the biggest categories of the night. Others scored more professional victories, like Mick Jagger (who proved that he's still got it after decades on stage) and Justin Bieber (who was one of the night's most electric performers despite only being 16 years old). Even the producers could consider themselves winner, as the telecast was watched by 26.5 million viewers — the largest audience for the Grammys in a decade.

But the viewers didn't necessarily walk away with a sense of victory. Though the show contained no shortage of highlights, there were also some things that could be changed moving forward. Here are five things that should be reconsidered moving forward.

Shorten The Show
Even though last night's show was mostly entertaining, it was still too long. Three-and-a-half hours is an awfully long time to be watching much of anything (most people don't sit down to watch films for that same amount of time). By tightening the edges and knocking off two or three performances (sorry, Barbra Streisand), you could really have a tight show that is way more viewer friendly and kinetic (which would make them more like the far superior MTV Video Music Awards).

Focus More On The Awards
We know it's impossible to give out 109 awards live on the air (that's how many categories there were this year), but the Oscars manage to give out two dozen awards over the course of an evening. Read More...

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Justin Bieber May Have Lost At The Grammys, But He'll Be Back: The MTV News Quote Of The Day

Posted 2/14/11 3:00 pm EST by in Grammys


"I had no clue what was going to happen; I worked really hard these past few years and you know, I'm not going to lie — I was disappointed. But, you know, I'm gonna come back [next year] and we'll take a few home."

-Canadian singing sensation and newly-minted film star Justin Bieber, commenting on his loss in the Best New Artist category at Sunday night's (February 13) 53rd Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The 16-year-old singer faced stiff competition for Best New Artist from the likes of Drake, Mumford & Sons and Florence and the Machine, but many expected that Bieber would be walking away with the hardware. In the end, he lost out to winner Esperanza Spalding, a bassist who has been making an impact in the jazz world for years and who was a relative unknown among pop fans.

Still, just because he failed to walk out with an award doesn't mean that the night was a bust. Bieber's performance (with an assist from Usher and Jayden Smith) was one of the most talked-about of the evening, and the singer himself felt extremely good about the work he put forth on stage. "I got a standing O, which was amazing," he told MTV News' Sway backstage after the show had wrapped. "Usher and Jayden did incredible, and I'm really excited. Tonight was an amazing night."

And because he's already a pro, Bieber went out of his way to pay his respects to Spalding after the show, and let his fans know that it wasn't the end of the world. "Bieber fans, don't get too upset," he laughed. "Be happy."

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Jay Sean Teaches Snooki Some Slang On The Grammy Red Carpet

Posted 2/14/11 1:00 pm EST by in Grammys


Sunday night's (February 13) 53rd Grammy Awards featured no shortage of stars, from the nominees to the performers to the parents of the nominees and performers (we're looking at you, Drake's mom and the Smith family). Even stars who weren't directly involved in the show were there to help celebrate, including Cyndi Lauper (who got an awful lot of screen time thanks to her always-reliable reaction shots) and Nicole Kidman (who accompanied husband Keith Urban and sang and danced along to most everything on stage).

Both international R&B sensation Jay Sean and "Jersey Shore" star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi were in attendance as well. Snooki was busy hosting the MTV News live stream "Snooki & Sway: Live From the Grammys," which Jay Sean was there to build buzz for his upcoming album Freeze Time.

When the two came together on the red carpet, they bonded over slang. Snooki has done plenty to introduce new words into the lexicon, and Jay Sean was more than happy to explain a British word to her.

"I just wanted to say that I really, really love your accent," Snooki told Sean in the midst of his red carpet interview. "Can you say, 'Yo Snooki, let's smush'?"

Sean was game, though he wanted to take it a step further. "Instead of smush, I'll tell you what we say," he told the television star. "Let's snog."

Snooki had a bit of trouble with the vowel, but in the end, it made for a great step forward in international relations (especially following Snooki's British accent). "I want to bring the British lingo over here, man," Jay Sean told Sway. "We've got so many words you guys don't use."

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Nicki Minaj's Hair, Drake's Mom And Lady Gaga's Egg: Snooki's Favorite Grammy Moments

Posted 2/14/11 11:00 am EST by in Grammys


The 53rd Grammy Awards were full of stellar performances, big upsets and more than a few delightful surprises. But Sunday night's (February 13) excitement got started even before the curtain raised at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, as the Grammy Awards red carpet was a hive of superstar activity. MTV News was live on the scene with a two-hour live streaming show called "Snooki & Sway: Live From the Grammys," which brought together MTV News' veteran voice Sway and "Jersey Shore" breakout star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi (with a handful of cameos by MTV News' James Montgomery). The trio talked to all the big stars, including Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, B.o.b and Jennifer Hudson.

(Click here for photos of Snooki and Sway on the red carpet with all the top Grammy stars, including Nicki Minaj, Bruno Mars, Drake and Jennifer Lopez!)

But what were Snooki's favorite moments from her co-hosting job as an MTV News correspondent? After the show, she talked to Sway and Montgomery about her top moments.

"Top three favorite moments? Talking to Nicki Minaj," Snooki said. "She recognized me, so that was crazy." That meet-up was particularly interesting, as not only was Minaj's hair taller than Snooki, but the chart-topping rapper also grabbed a handful of Snooki's cleavage during the interview.

Snooki also noted that she very much enjoyed talking to Drake's mom (who was the Best New Artist-nominated rapper's date at the show. But Snooki's most favorite moment of the red carpet celebration was the highlight for a lot of people present. "Seeing Lady Gaga in the egg and having her wave hello to us," Snooki added. "That was insane."

(Click here for photos of Snooki and Sway on the red carpet with all the top Grammy stars, including Nicki Minaj, Bruno Mars, Drake and Jennifer Lopez!)

What was your favorite moment from "Snooki & Sway: Live From the Grammys"? Let us know in the comments!

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Arcade Fire's The Suburbs Wins Album Of The Year: Wake-Up Video

Posted 2/14/11 9:00 am EST by in Wake-Up Video


Sunday night's (February 13) 53rd Grammy Awards were full of surprises, from Esperanza Spalding's Best New Artist victory to Mick Jagger's alarmingly sharp performance during his tribute to the late Solomon Burke. But the show saved the biggest shocker for last, as Arcade Fire's The Suburbs took home the hardware for Album of the Year. The Canadian band, who had the smallest profile of any artist nominated in the category, scored the victory in between their two electric performances — including one that ended the show.

It's been something of a long time coming for Arcade Fire, who have been nominated for several Grammys in the past but have never won. Their 2004 debut Funeral was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album in 2006 (it lost to the White Stripes' Get Behind Me Satan) and their sophomore release Neon Bible got a nod for the same award in 2008 (they were bested a second time by the White Stripes, who won for Icky Thump). In a strange twist, Arcade Fire's The Suburbs were also nominated for Best Alternative Music Album this year, though it lost to the Black Keys' Brothers. (How an album could be the best overall but not in the Alternative category is a mystery, but so are many of the decisions made by Grammy voters.)

The win for Album of the Year wraps up an incredible run for Arcade Fire, who saw their album debut at the top of the Billboard chart (an amazing feat for a band on an independent label) and who headlined Lollapalooza and sold out Madison Square Garden. In honor of their big win (and the huge chart bump they are likely to pick up this week), check out the video for the title track to The Suburbs, which proves that they're not only musical geniuses but visual innovators as well.


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Did Eminem, Lady Gaga, Arcade Fire Or Justin Bieber Have The Best Grammy Performance?

Posted 2/14/11 8:00 am EST by in Grammys


On Sunday night (February 13), the 53rd Grammy Awards unleashed a series of extra-memorable moments, including multiple wins by Lady Gaga and Eminem, Arcade Fire's upset victory in the Album of the Year category and some amazing presenter pairings (including the tag team of Selena Gomez and Donnie Wahlberg). But the biggest headlines came out of the cavalcade of performances over the course of the show's three-and-a-half hours, including stunning presentations from artists both young (Arcade Fire, Muse, Justin Bieber) and less young (Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, Barbra Streisand).

Though most everybody put forth an astounding effort during the show, which performance stood tallest as the evening's best? Here's a reminder of what you might have missed.

Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Florence Welch, Martina McBride and Yolanda Adams
The evening kicked off with a tribute to Aretha Franklin, care of some of the biggest voices in pop music. Welch was especially electric, proving that she belonged alongside the rest of the divas.

Lady Gaga
Her royal weirdness did not disappoint, as her performance of "Born This Way" featured some killer dance movies and an even deadlier pipe organ solo.

Muse
The winners of the Best Rock Album award tore through yet another smoking version of "Uprising."

B.o.B, Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae
In what might have been the night's most eclectic performance, Mars proved himself to be one of the hardest-working guys in the business, as he moved from piano to vocals to drums.

Lady Antebellum
The night's biggest winners not only delivered their smash "Need You Now" (for the second straight year) but also paid tribute to Teddy Pendergrass.

Miranda Lambert
Country's next big crossover sensation proved why she was about to pop with a smooth take on her "The House That Built Me."

Justin Bieber, Usher and Jaden Smith
Bieber certainly had a big weekend, as not only did his movie rake in $30 million but he also performed a jumpy version of "Never Say Never" with Smith. Usher's "OMG" was just icing on the cake.

Bob Dylan, Mumford & Sons and Avett Brothers
Roots rock lived as two of the indie world's grittiest acts laid out some sweet musicianship before everybody jammed on Dylan's "Maggie's Farm" (complete with always-excellent harmonica solo).

Cee Lo Green, Gwyneth Paltrow and the Muppets
Two words: Peacock suit. Also: Muppets!

Mick Jagger
In the evening's most surprisingly thrilling performance, the Rolling Stones frontman made his Grammy debut in a tribute to late soul legend Solomon Burke.

John Mayer, Keith Urban and Norah Jones
In an impromptu performance, Mayer, Urban and Jones laid out a quick, spry version of "Jolene" as a tribute to Lifetime Achievement Award winner Dolly Parton.

Barbra Streisand
The legendary diva brought back "Evergreen," which won a Grammy way back in 1978.

Katy Perry
In a performance dedicated to "all the Valentine lovers," Perry proved she could hold her own both as a balladeer and as a sugar-coated pop princess.

Eminem, Rihanna and Dr. Dre
Dre's return to the Grammy stage was epic, as "Love the Way You Lie" gave way to "I Need a Doctor."

Rihanna and Drake
Rihanna pulled double duty on Sunday night, as her second performance (this time with Drake on "What's My Name") was just as passionate as her turn on "Love the Way You Lie."

Arcade Fire
Just before they won Album of the Year, Arcade Fire delivered a sweaty, ballsy performance accompanied by a bunch of guys on BMX bikes.

So which one was the best? Vote in the poll below and leave your arguments in the comments!

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Justin Bieber's Grammy Night, From The Red Carpet To Backstage!

Posted 2/14/11 12:02 am EST by in Grammys


Justin Bieber may not have come away with one of the evening's most coveted awards (he lost the Best New Artist prize to Esperanza Spalding), but that doesn't mean his experience at the 53rd Grammy Awards was anything less than stellar. The 16-year-old Canadian singing sensation certainly seemed to be having fun while in attendance at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. His performance, which included an acoustic rendition of "Baby," a smoking run through "Never Say Never" (with rap assistance courtesy of fellow underage star and friend Jaden Smith) and yet another high-profile performance of Usher's "OMG" (which also included a guest spot from Bieber right at the end). Bieber's minutes on stage were some of the most electric of the night.

(Click here for photos from Justin Bieber's night at the 53rd Grammy Awards, from the red carpet to backstage and beyond!)

But he didn't stop there, as the singer made his way around the venue with the grace and style of a veteran. Dressed in a white tuxedo and armed with a seat in the front row, Bieber was clearly visible for most of the show, and he could often be seen conversing with Usher (who was seated just to his right). During the breaks, Bieber made a habit of circulating, hanging out with his parents, chatting with Usher and Smith and even making his way over to pay his respects to Lady Gaga (who got a Bieber-sized hug for her efforts). He also spent some quality time with fashion plate and fellow Atlanta native Cee Lo Green, whose on-stage costume proved to be one of the most popular of the evening.

(Click here for photos from Justin Bieber's night at the 53rd Grammy Awards, from the red carpet to backstage and beyond!)

What was your favorite Justin Bieber moment from the 53rd Grammy Awards? Let us know in the comments!

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