Grammy Awards: Glass Half Full or Half Empty??

Depends on how you look at it right? Well that question applies to the heavily debated 53^rd Annual Grammy Awards, which took place this past weekend.

Since the broadcasting, I have heard so much chatter about the telecast and the reviews on who won, who performed, and what people wore. It seems as if general consensus is that this year’s showcase was a pretty big letdown, despite it’s out of the roof ratings that gave the show their highest in the past decade. So how exactly should we look at this year Grammy Awards? Well…lets examine both ways.

For some, they felt as if there were a lot of let downs, not only in performances but also in winners. Eminem who led the pack with a whopping 10 nominations, he sadly only left with two. I think the biggest upset was the shocking announcement that an artist, unknown to many, took home the award for Best New Artist. The moment Esperanza Spalding’s name was announced, many were left scratching their heads, including myself. The Beiber Bandwagon immediately went in uproar and I think his diehard fans would have even welcomed Drake to take the award but not an Esp-a-thingy. However, I have to say after doing my research I can see why the beautiful Oregon native did. She is crazy talented.

Eminem

Esperanza Spalding

Onto some other glaring disses and misses, for a show that ran for over 3 hours, it surprises me that there were only about 10 on-screen award categories. Most were announced during the red carpet. Uh….what? Is this not the Grammy AWARDS? I tuned in to actually see awards. I remember watching this event as a young child and getting that fun, anticipation feeling as they announce the winners. I haven’t gotten that feeling in the past couple of years, mainly because they rarely show awards being handed out anymore. Their focus has switched to more dazzling, note-worthy performances, which I will get into in a minute. I just hope that the Presidents and all the-powers-that-be begin to remember what made the show must see TV and it hasn’t always been performances.

As for the performances, I can see where some of the lowlights were. Before the show, one of the most anticipated performances was that of Lady Gaga’s, who opened the show last year. I was one of those who was counting down the moments until the Monster Mother herself would hit the stage and premiere her new song. I sat there while she performed and every 5 seconds that went by, I kept assuring myself, “Wait for it…that ‘it’ moment is about to happen”. Then the lights dimmed, people clapped, and they announced the next presenter. That was it? I mean was I the only one who felt as if they were missing just one more thing to elevate the performance. Instead all I got was a hair whip…

Lady Gaga

But like I said, the night wasn’t all about let downs to me. Overall, looking at the big picture, it was one of favorite Grammy’s in a while. I was pretty satisfied with the winners (not all!) but for the most part I was rooting for the underdog and all of the big winners were not the expected ones.

Arcade Fire

After the National Anthem-gate incident at the Super Bowl, I am happy to say, Christina Aguilera redeemed herself after that powerful opening number. I was a little surprised by the five women that were chosen, or even why they opened up with an Aretha Tribute to begin with, but after it was all said and done, I can see why, it set the night off to a nice start.

Aretha Franklin Tribute

My all time favorite performance was the medley between B.o.B, Bruno Mars, and Janelle Monae. It was fresh, hot and innovative. I loved every moment and the uniqueness that they each took to their songs.

I have publically declared my dislike for Justin Bieber’s music, but the performance alongside Usher left me with some type of happy, giddy feeling.  It was like watching a father and son and I couldn’t help but smile, especially when pint-sized Jaden Smith got up on stage as his parents gleamed from the audience.

Justin Bieber and Usher

All in all, I am not mad at this year’s Grammy Awards. Is there room for improvement? Absolutely! I want more “Wow” moments and less filler stuff. I can do with fewer performances, only if the performances we get knock us all off our feet. But, the show did try and it continues to do so. I can give it an A for effort and this year I saw a glimmer of hope for the rest of this decades shows. So for me, the glass that was filled with all the deliciousness that was the Grammy’s was definitely half full!

For a list of all the winners and performers, check out the official Grammy Award website at: http://www.grammy.com/

The Show You Are Not Watching....

One of my all time favorite shows has to be ABC’s Brothers and Sisters. I have been watching the drama since its second season and once I saw it, I immediately fell in love. I just love tuning into watching the family dynamics that are so realistically portrayed and entertaining, all at the same time. The worst being is that somehow, I feel not nearly enough people are watching it.

WATCH THE CAST TALK ABOUT THEIR SHOW

It surprises me when I talk about this show and many people admit they have never seen it, or ever worse never even heard of it. The show is in its fifth season! How can you not have heard of it??

The problem in which I think is at the forefront is the way in which the show is marketed and to whom it is marketed to. The show is seen as an “adult” show, which obviously will push younger viewers away.

But what happens is that many miss out on just good television. TV now is filled with so much fluff that you can let really good shows just fall through the crack. The show is not filled with intense medical emergency scenes, or detectives chasing a bad guy, but it simply is about a family living their lives every day and doing what families do best, being there for each other for everything life may hit you with.  

THE FAMILY DYNAMIC IN ONE OF THE SHOW'S BEST STORYLINE

The characters, you can find something to relate to for at least each of them. Even more intriguing, is that all of the characters are flawed, as are people. None of them are “bad”, however none of them are “good” either. That’s what makes the show amazing to me and fun to watch, is that there is no one person to root for, but instead you are rooting for the entire family to just make it through, especially through a weekly Walker dinner.

Kerry Takes The Lead

This week, Shonda Rhimes announced the lead for her new ABC Pilot, the beautiful and talented Kerry Washington. If you are not familiar with the actress, than run down to your nearest video store and pick up some of her work, because you are truly missing out.

I was first introduced to the starlet in her first feature film, Save the Last Dance. The next time I would see her in a film would be in Oscar-award nominated film, Ray, where she played a completely different character than that of the one in Save the Last Dance. It was from that moment that I knew I was witnessing a star being born.

[http://www.tvguide.com/News/Kerry-Washington-Rhimes-1029024.aspx?rss=breakingnews]

Since then she has gone on to appear in a few TV Series and more Films, including her most recent, For Colored Girls, where she gives in my opinion an A+ performance.

The news that Washington will be playing the lead in this new primetime drama, from the creator of the hit and diverse drama, Grey’s Anatomy,  is not only a pleasant surprise but also a much needed one.

(The cast of Shondra Rhimes's first ABC show, Grey's Anatomy)

I didn’t want to make another post about this topic because it touches on a lot of what I said in my very first one about the Golden Globes, but I figure it is a message that needs to be pointed out.

Growing up, you often look at figures on television in the hopes that you will see a part of you in a character that you can relate to. By being able to do so, you can feel connected to not only the character, but the storyline, and to the series in general. While this scenario is ideal, it is not the case for many people who tune into television and see everything they are not.

When I look at primetime television now, there are only a handful of shows with a predominately all minority cast even less where a minority is the lead. It is not about finding “black shows” but instead it is about finding a balanced representation on TV.

With this new show in the works, Washington will play a powerful crisis management consultant. WOW! Can’t say I’ve seen a lot of this on TV, especially being portrayed as an African American woman. It will be refreshing to see this play out and see such a non-stereotypical role and not just in a sitcom like show.

 

And the winner is....American Idol!!

So I wanted to give it some time before I spoke. After watching the past couple of weeks, I think it is safe to say that American Idol is a HIT!!! I am so loving this season so far, and actually I have to say, I think I like these new additions better than the previous judges. Now hear me out before you start throwing stones, I loved me some Simon and Paula; they had great chemistry and I agreed with them most of the time (or at least the sober one anyways). However, I think Jennifer and Steve fit very well with the likes of Randy and Ryan.

When the news broke, that Simon was leaving after last season, the question went around as to, “Who would replace Simon?” Well thank God the producers did not concern themselves with trying to replace Simon because after the epic failure of trying to replace Paula with Kara, they knew that it wasn’t so smart as to trying to replace but instead start fresh.

And that is exactly what we have so far, a fresh, new American Idol. Jennifer and Steve are breathing a new life in what was to me becoming a very dull and lifeless show.

I am looking forward to the rest of the season and hope that in a couple of weeks I will not be biting my tongue because of me praising the show, but whatever the case, you can expect me to come back and give my opinion whether good or bad.

Take a look at just a couple of my favorite performances and the judges sizzling chemistry with each other as they judge.

Naima Adedapo

Aaron and Mark Gutierrez

Travis Orlando
 

From Jersey to Italy?!?!

First pumping in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa?? Shouting the “Cabs are here!” to go and see the Coliseum?? Can you picture it? Well you’re going to have to because that will be the case when the cast of the Jersey Shore heads to Italy for their fourth season. Expected to begin shooting this spring, all eight roommates will spend time back in the country where they get their gelled, spiked-up, roots.

……yea don’t quite know what to say to that. On one hand, quite frankly I’m tired of these guys. They are everywhere all of the time and I just don’t want to bear witness to watching them make another couple hundred thousand dollars for doing nothing but acting, and by this point I think it is clear that they are being given some direction.

BUT, on the other hand, I sorta kinda want to watch next season just to see the hot mess go international.

This season I have actually enjoyed the show, despite me wishing I wasn’t. It’s almost like you can’t live with them, but you would be bored living without them.

But I do believe that this 15+15 minutes of fame that they all have stumbled upon will end this year. Even with the news that some of the cast members will be branching out to do their own show, I just don’t see their popularity lasting much longer. I call it now; some other show will debut by at least this fall that will knock the kids from Jersey Shore right back to their respectful homes outside of Seaside.

But until that time comes, I guess me and every other idiot who continues to tune in every Thursday will just have to stay tuned to see how Italy Italians react to that of the pathetic representation that is the Jersey Shore.

Family Secrets...

You would have had to be living under a rock this week, if you have not heard the shocking news about Daytime Queen, Oprah Winfrey. On Monday, the talk show host revealed her family secret that she has a half-sister she never knew anything about.

Shocker, right! Well at least it was for me. Sorta. It wasn’t the secret so much that took me by surprise; it was seeing the rare family dynamic of Oprah’s family that made me scratch my head a couple of times.

I have always wondered what exactly life was like for everyone else who was related to Oprah, especially her immediate family. Think about it, if you know anything about Oprah, you know she very rarely discusses her family and in fact, it was on Monday’s show that for the first time I had ever even seen her mother, let alone nieces and nephews.

Seeing the episode and everything play out within the hour, it was everything that wasn’t said that spoke volumes. I couldn’t help but notice or get the impression that Oprah has a very strained or at least, a very distant relationship with her family.

Oprah got pretty choked up when she first sat down to talk with her sister and talked about how in the past people have tried to “sell” her out many times. I have to wonder if those “people” she is referring to are the very same people that have her blood running through their veins.

Could you imagine being Oprah, and having a whole family that knew things about you before you were Oprah? I’m sure it is a very uneasy feeling of having to think that these people may want to use you as a way to make a profit.

Now of course, this is all speculation and I am simply going by the impression that I got from watching. However, I like to think that I am a very good people observer, and was able to observe a lot on that episode.

Take a look at the show, yourself and tell me what you think, or better yet, if you sense what I sense.

[http://www.oprah.com/showinfo/Breaking-News-Oprah-Reveals-a-Hidden-Family-Secret]

Set Your DVR

I just wanted to come in and give a quick reminder that this week, is the official start for most TV shows 2011 spring season. The channel, whose shows I have been most anticipating their return, is without a doubt CW. Tonight brings back two of my faves, Gossip Girl and 90210 and on Thursday, my all time fave, The Vampire Diaries. I will get into it later, about my obsession with these shows, but as of now I just wanted to send out a reminder. If you are not watching this channel or at least these shows, tonight is the night to start!!!

The More Things CHANGE, The More They Stay The SAME

It’s that time of year, once again! The snow is falling, people are already breaking New Year’s resolutions, but most importantly our beloved TV and Film stars are walking up to podiums across the world to accept their award for their achievements from the past year.

This past weekend, was the notoriously boring Golden Globes. Boring or not, of course I sat through the three hour long ceremony, fearing that I would look away at that one moment that everyone would be talking about the next day. However, that moment never came, but while watching I did notice a few things that I deemed interesting.

Among the slew of winners, I must admit I loved the fact that some of whom were A-List out gay actors. “Glee’s” Chris Colfer and Jane Lynch took home the gold for their performances on the hit TV Show. Also the delightfully, charming film, “The Kids Are All Right”, took the honors of Best Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical along with Annette Bening, who won Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy for her role in the film.

To make things clear, it wasn’t the fact that these performers or film are gay or portrayed gay that made me excited for their win, because I believe the well fully deserved the award, but the fact that who they were and what they represent did make it an extra bonus for me.

I love seeing the world evolve, and that’s what I love most about TV and Film, is the fact that they often can help the world do so. Seeing these people get what they rightfully earned and knowing that who they were or what they portrayed didn’t hinder that from happening, showed massive steps in the right direction. In fact I have noticed more and more out Gay and Lesbian performers/performances walk these stages to accept awards for their hard work.  

However, this is where I feel like WE (as a country) can take one step forward and two steps back.

As I smiled to myself while watching some of my favorites accept their awards and try to thank everyone and their mother in 3.5 seconds that is allotted to them, at some point a camera angle shot across the sea of stars in the audience, and something immediately stood out to me. It was if the Golden Globes had just been hit with one of the massive snow storms that swept the East Coast that same week, because it was a complete whiteout in the Theater.

To this day it still saddens me to some degree to tune into these shows and see only a handful of African American actors and even less Latin and Asian Americans. I just don’t get it! I watch the films and tune into the TV shows, and granted I don’t believe there are nearly enough minorities being portrayed in these Films and on TV, but of the ones that are, where is their recognition for their performances?

Only two African Americans were nominated in all of the Acting, Writing, and Directing categories this year. The worst part being, that the Globes are usually the award show that is more likely to have minority actors due to the fact there are more categories to be nominated in.

I don’t quite know what the solution is, or even if this is a problem that has a solution right now, but one thing is clear, this is definitely a problem.

As I have already stated about my excitement about the growing number of Gays and Lesbians being seen at these award shows, it’s not so much about who they are that makes it exciting but instead the reality that who they are is not a hindrance. The same goes for the visibility of ethnic actors.

I more so am ready to see that day, when I know that without any uncertainty that a great performance, no matter who performed it and/or to what audience that performance was geared towards, it still will be a performance that is recognized and even more importantly, respected.