THE AMAZING 55TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanThe 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards will go down in music history for not only its list of winners and flashy Red Carpet arrivals, but also many of its musical moments.
It all began on the Red Carpet. Beyonce’ went for a much more conservative look than usual in a black and white Osman jumpsuit. It was simple yet stunning.
Rihanna chose a seductive red Alaia gown with criss-cross neckline, sheer paneling and accessorized with her favorite, ‘Diamonds’. She openly declared her love for Chris Brown.
Gorgeous as a Grecian goddess was Taylor Swift with even a braided updo to make it a much more realistic look. The white J. Mendel gown had sparkling silver trim.
It wasn’t only about the ladies. John Mayer decided to walk the Red Carpet in a Brioni blue velvet jacket complete with bow tie. What kind of a statement was he trying to make?
Elegance is what Carrie Underwood is all about no matter what gown she chooses. Wearing a black patterned strapless Roberto Cavalli gown, she was a ‘Pretty Woman’ in her 381-carat diamond necklace. Later in the evening, she performed a powerful “Blown Away” and “Two Black Cadillacs” in a specially made full gown with images of flowers and bright stars projected on the gown at the perfect moments.
In shiny green, Florence of Florence & The Machine looked like she stepped right out of OZ in a Givenchy side slit gown. Even the shoes and the clutch that she carried matched the gown.
Alicia Keys rocked the house in a black gown which had a leather bodice with cutouts. She wore her hair in an undo and also had one powerful on-stage performance.
Ne-Yo was the man of silky silver from his head down to his toes. He always makes a dazzling appearance no matter where he goes.
As Vera Wang unveils her Fall 2013 Collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York, Nicole Kidman looked magically glamorous in a Vera Wang original golden gown with low v-neckline.
Gotye’s gal pal, Kimbra, looked as if she stepped right off of a ballerina music box in a Jaime Lee Major tulle ruffled gown with gold embellishment and cap sleeves complete with a train.
The hot couple of the evening was John Legend and Chrissy Teigen who compliment each other in personality and poise. Chrissy wore a black Joy Cioci gown and John wore an all-navy suit.
The 2013 Special Merit Awards were given out earlier in the week. The late Ravi Shankar received a Lifetime Achievement Award and accepting on his behalf was his daughter, Anoushka Shankar. Carole King also won a Lifetime Achievement Award and her daughters, Sherry Kondon and Louise Goffin, accepted on behalf of the singer/songwriter. Charlie Haden also walked away a winner.
This year the live performances during the awards show were remarkable. A whimsical performance by Taylor Swift showed us another side of the young artist in all her glory.
Rihanna also performed with a passion always proving that she has exactly what it takes to be a star. She was part of a musical tribute to Bob Marley along with Sting, Bruno Mars and Ziggy Marley. It was an exciting Reggae rhapsody of stars.
The combination of artists paired kept raising the bar again and again. Elton John not only performed early in the show with Ed Sheeran, but at the end he did an outstanding tribute to the late Levon Helm with Mavis Staples, Mumford, Brittany Howard, T. Bone Burnett and Zac Brown.
Alicia Keys and Maroon 5 were ‘On Fire’ with an unbelievable performance.
Nominees, The Lumineers and The Black Keys and Fun. sang their hits to a packed venue as did the sweet sounding Adele and hit songstress, Kelly Clarkson.
Justin Timberlake is releasing a new album and on the heels of this latest release, he is back in action and performed on stage with Jay-Z.
Frank Ocean was up for many awards and gave a shining performance as well. LL Cool J. played host and performer as he did a song with Chuck D.
Presenters included perfect pairs as well. Jennifer Lopez in a visibly suggestive black gown hit the stage with Pitbull who seems to be in all places at all the opportune times.
Country superstar couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw presented too.
Ellen DeGeneres and Beyonce’ may have seemed like an odd combination but it worked well.
Two stars of successful television shows, Kaley Cuoco and Keith Urban, were presenting in fun fashion.
Carly Rae Jepsen and Ne-Yo sizzled as presenters on stage.
A talented artist in the musical industry for years and looked up to by many of the newer artists was the musician known as Prince donned all in black.
Neil Portnow, Recording Academy President/CEO, was on stage with Justin Timberlake and GRAMMY Foundation Honorary Board Chair, Ryan Seacrest. He is proud of all the great work that the Foundation has accomplished and continues to work towards.
The list of winners is as follows:
— Album of the year: “Babel,” Mumford & Sons.
— Record of the year: “Somebody That I Used to Know,” Gotye featuring Kimbra.
— Song of the year: “We Are Young,” fun.
— New artist: fun.
— Pop solo performance: “Set Fire to the Rain (Live),” Adele.
— Pop vocal album: “Stronger,” Kelly Clarkson.
— Rock performance: “Lonely Boy,” The Black Keys.
— Urban contemporary album: “Channel Orange,” Frank Ocean.
— Rap/sung collaboration: “No Church in the Wild,” Jay-Z, Kanye West featuring Frank Ocean, The-Dream.
— Country solo performance: “Blown Away,” Carrie Underwood.
— Country album: “Uncaged,” Zac Brown Band.
The best ending of the evening was the announcement of a new award to be presented at the 2014 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards. A first-ever Music Educator Award will recognize music educators for their contributions to our musical landscape and their positive influence on their students’ musical experiences. The award is open to teachers in public and private schools across the United States. Support is made possible by the Ford Motor Company Fund and nominations are currently being accepted through April 15, 2013. To view the guidelines and nominate your favorite music educator, go to www.grammymusicteacher.com.
It was another musical award ceremony masterpiece made for the history books. Until next year, we will see you at The GRAMMY Awards and follow their work in the musical industry throughout the year.
PHOTO CREDITS: A/P, WireImage, Getty Images
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