Grammy Nominees Emma Malefakis, staff reporter
The small, statuette, golden gramophone may not be seen as one of much use; however, to popular artists in today’s music industry, it symbolizes great musical success and achievement. The Grammy has become a symbol in American pop culture, one almost as famous as our own American flag. It’s about that time of year yet again, for none other than The Grammies.
There will be a total of 78 awards presented, including the MusiCares’ Person of the Year award which will be awarded to former Beatles’ guitarist and singer, Paul McCartney. The 78 categories this year have decreased from the 109 categories seen in previous years.
The decreasing of categories; however, is not the only change in Grammy history. The biggest change would be the elimination of the separation of female and male artists in a genre. Other categories such as Best Classical Album have been eliminated completely.
Nominees include a large range of music icons, such as Drake, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Dr. Dre, Beyonce, Christina Aguliera, etc. Artist Kanye West received the most nominations with a total of seven. Adele, Bruno Mars, and the Foo Fighters are all close behind with a total of six nominations.
The 54th annual grammies also welcome new artists in the music game, such as the greatly loved J.Cole, who is up for Best New Artist of the year. He recently debuted his latest album Cole World: Side Line Story with top ranking single “Work Out.”
“I’ve been really into J.Cole this past year, I’ll be upset if he doesn’t win” says Junior Elana Cwass. “I also really like Kid Cudi, I hope he takes one home”. Rapper Kid Cudi has been nominated for Best Rap/ Song Collaboration.
Soundtracks from movies such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows part 2, Black Swan, The King’s Speech, Tron: Legacy, and The Shrine, are also up for victories in “The Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media” category. So movie lovers, indulge!
Up for best rap song include Eminem and Dr. Dre’s “I need a doctor”, Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Otis”, Kanye West and Rihanna’s “All of the Lights”, Chris Brown and Busta Rhyme’s “Look at me now”, Lupe Fiasco’s “Show goes on”, and Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow”.
Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep”, Bon Iver’s “Holocene”, Kanye West and Rihanna’s “All of the Lights”, Mumford & Son’s “The Cave”, and Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” are all competing for overall Best Song of the year.
The 54th annual Grammy awards will be taking place February 12th of this year at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Broadcasted only by CBS at 8/7central. The Grammy awards are said to be the biggest night in the music industry, anticipated by many.
As for the results, viewers will just have to wait and see. Keep those fingers crossed.