The Grammy Awards, once hailed as the pinnacle of musical celebration, have been struggling to connect with their audience in recent years. The event, often criticized for its ordinary approach, has faced an identity crisis compounded by years of snubs and the challenges posed by the pandemic. Comedian Trevor Noah summed it up well when he described the Grammys as 'a concert where we give out awards.' And on this year's telecast, held in 2024, that sentiment still holds true.
One of the reasons for the Grammys' struggle is the changing landscape of award show consumption. With the availability of highlights on social media platforms, it's becoming less enticing for viewers to commit to a more-than-three-hour showcase. Additionally, there is a clash between eroded trust from the viewers and the Academy's desperate attempts to court their attention. While the institution's representatives speak of music's radical roots and unifying power, what is ultimately displayed is a deflating commercial reality.
The evening was hosted once again by Trevor Noah, providing some semblance of consistency in an otherwise uneven affair. It began on a high note with a performance of Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car' by Luke Combs. Combs, a Best Country Solo Performance nominee, delivered a committed cover and expressed the song's importance in his artistic development. Another standout moment was Annie Lennox's moving tribute to the late Sinéad O'Connor during the In Memoriam segment. Lennox concluded her performance with a call for a ceasefire in Gaza, acknowledging the escalating violence in the region.
One theme that emerged throughout the telecast was the dominance of female artists. They were well-represented in the nominations for major categories and in the performances. Victoria Monét took home the award for Best New Artist for her album 'Jaguar II,' using her stage time to acknowledge the years-long journey that led to this achievement. SZA and Miley Cyrus, in pre-recorded interviews, reflected on their nominated works, emphasizing the theme of embracing self-discovery and personal growth.
Billie Eilish, who performed 'What Was I Made For,' which won Song of the Year, added to the focus on empowered women. However, this focus only magnified the contradictions within the show. The Impact Achievement Award, named after Dr. Dre, raised questions about the Academy honoring individuals with problematic histories. Jay-Z, this year's recipient, used his acceptance speech to call out the Grammys for their snubs, highlighting the lack of self-awareness within the awards system.
Joni Mitchell's beautiful performance of 'Both Sides Now' also contributed to this sense of dissonance. Mitchell, who withdrew her songs from Spotify in protest of the platform's role in spreading COVID-19 vaccine misinformation, was not even acknowledged during the telecast. This oversight underscores the show's failure to address ongoing crises.
Despite comedian Trevor Noah's monologue, which touched on pertinent issues surrounding the music industry, the telecast mostly followed a predictable formula. Its over three-hour runtime made it feel like an endurance test, hindering viewers from fully appreciating performances like the collaboration between Burna Boy, Brandy, and 21 Savage.
While attention was given to familiar faces like Taylor Swift, who used her 13th Grammy win to announce her forthcoming album, this year's telecast felt more forced than ever. In comparison, the pre-show ceremony, where most of the awards were presented, showcased honesty, heart, and a genuine celebration of artists. The main show could learn a thing or two from that broadcast.
In conclusion, the Grammy Awards continue to face challenges in finding their footing. With changing viewing habits and a sense of eroded trust, the telecast struggles to captivate audiences. While there were moments of brilliance and a focus on female empowerment, the overall execution felt lackluster. It is clear that the Grammys need to reevaluate their approach and find a way to truly celebrate music and its artists in a manner that resonates with audiences.
