2007 Grammy Awards Ceremony Promises Plenty of Controversy

Ah, the Grammys…the music industry’s counterpart to the Academy Awards. Every year seems to bring about at least one “against all odds” winner and a little controversy. This year, thankfully, promises to be no different. The music industry is similar to the motion picture industry in that politics and persuasion play a part in the proceedings. Try saying that seven times fast. Better yet, try to guess who’ll walk away a winner this year and who will go home unrecognized. If the recent past tells us anything, it’s harder than you might think.
For starters, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences members are usually capable of offering up a surprise or two, especially in the best male and best female vocal category. The song and record of the year category rarely deviate from what’s expected, though this year may be different.
This year’s Record of the Year nominees include the politically charged “Not Ready to Make Nice” by the Dixie Chicks, a heartfelt exploration of a missed opportunity in “You’re Beautiful” by newcomer James Blunt, the expertly sung and well produced “Be Without You” by Mary J Blige, the London-beat driven hit “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley and the upbeat single “Put Your Records On” by this year’s Norah Jones, Corinne Bailey Rae.
Any could walk away the winner, but only one will. Looking at the choices, it’s easy to see where more than just the record itself is part of the equation. Often, it’s the status of the artist that makes all the difference. For instance, James Blunt and Corrine Bailey Rae are relative newcomers, at least to American audiences. Rae had success in the UK as early as 2005, while Blunt only began his career after the release of this album. This tends to work against a nominee most of the time, and some would say rightfully so.
The Dixie Chicks, on the other hand, have been around for quite a while. Because their song (and the also the nominated album it came from) is often viewed as a criticism of the current government administration, they may earn some points with liberal leaning NARAS voters. On the other hand, they’re a country act who crossed over, and that may hurt their chances. Gnarls Barkley’s infectious groove has become a mainstream hit with fans of both hip hop, dance and the alternative crowd, but they are also relative unknowns. Last, but certainly not least, is Mary J Blige, who is nominated in seven other categories. She’s got an excellent shot at “Album of the Year”, which may count against her in the “Record of the Year” voting.
Of course, being a new artist doesn’t always count against you. For proof, one need only look back at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards, where a then underdog Alicia Keys and the out-of-left-field bluegrass soundtrack to “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou” beat out the likes of Bob Dylan and U2 to take home the most hardware.