The Grammys are upon us, tonight on CBS, 8pm.
By that time we will know whether Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s “Love for Sale” won five of its six nominations. Those are given out in a three hour ceremony that precedes the Grammys off camera. Lady Gaga told me a couple of weeks ago she was just thrilled that she and Tony were nominated for “Best Pop Dup Vocal,” never mind Album of the Year.
But my guess is “Love for Sale” will be the surprise winner of Best Album. It makes sense. “Love for Sale” is the classiest of all the albums nominated. It’s also Bennett’s final recording. What a fitting tribute to him and a nod to great music.
The only other choice, in my book, would be Jon Batiste’s “We Are.” Batiste is hot right now. He’s also part of the CBS family, which doesn’t hurt. Of the remaining nominees, “We Are” is the only one that’s truly original and clever.
Some will say the Grammys will go “Sour” and choose the debut album by Olivia Rodrigo. But I think she’ll get Best New Artist and maybe Best Female Pop vocal. Her album was well made, but it’s chic pop, derived in whole from mixing Taylor Swift and Avril Lavigne. “Sour” is no “Blue” or “No Secrets” or “Tapestry.” It’s also not nearly as good as last year’s winner, “Folklore,” by Swift.
Kanye West could be in attendance, and if so, might be looking for trouble. At least the show producers are ready for that. He’s not allowed to perform. If he’s’ there, and his “Donda” album loses, chances are he’ll try to bounce on stage and denounce the winner. I hope they have a net and a fire extinguisher at hand.
We don’t talk about Kanye, and we don’t talk about Adele. She’s persona non grata in Las Vegas, where the Grammys are being held, after cancelling 16 shows and not reimbursing ticket holders.. Her album came out weeks after the eligibility deadline, so “30” is not in the mix. She’s holding out for next year– which will probably be January 2023. “30” was not the massive hit everyone thought it would be, so it’s no slam dunk for anything next year except Best Female Pop Vocal. Adele doesn’t care. She already has a boatload of Grammys, millions of dollars, and lots of houses. She’s only making music every six years, so it’s almost like a part time job!
