The Lariat’s Grammy Predictions
Entertainment February 9, 2012 Admin
BY HAILEE YAEGER
Let the nerves begin. It’s time to cross your fingers and hope for the best as your favorite artists contend for the coveted title of Grammy winner on February 12, 2012 on CBS.
This year’s lineup will make the biggest night in music that much better. For the first time ever, Coldplay will be performing with Rihanna, debuting their collaboration “Princess of China.” Other acts include Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, The Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney and Adele. This will mark Adele’s first performance since her throat surgery and the cancellation of her sold out U.S. tour.
While viewers can’t wait to watch the hit performances, they’re also waiting to see which nominees will be bringing home the gold. Here are our predictions.
Album of the Year:
· Adele: 21
· Foo Fighters: Wasting Light
· Lady Gaga: Born This Way
· Bruno Mars: Doo-Wops & Hooligans
· Rihanna: Loud
It’s pretty obvious Adele will take home the golden gramophone with her album 21, which sold a whopping 17 million copies as of January 2012. 21 has topped album charts in more than 26 countries and even made an appearance in the Guinness World Records for its record-breaking chart performance. Between her amazing vocals and poetic lyrics, Adele has touched the hearts of many and will definitely be rewarded for it.
Song of The Year:
· Mumford & Sons: “The Cave”
· Adele: “Rolling in the Deep”
· Bruno Mars: “Grenade”
· Bon Iver: “Holocene”
· Kanye West featuring Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie: “All of the Lights”
As cliché as it may seem, I predict Adele will win for her single, “Rolling in the Deep.” Although it’s pretty clear to she deserves the title, Mumford & Sons shouldn’t go unnoticed. Both artists are extremely talented, and although “The Cave” wasn’t played on the radio, it is still deserving of the award. Not only are the lyrics great, but also there is a unique use of banjos, making “The Cave” a leading candidate for the Grammy.
Best New Artist:
· The Band Perry
· Bon Iver
· J. Cole
· Nicki Minaj
· Skrillex
I believe that best new artist will go to Bon Iver, an indie folk rocker who’s been featured on two Kanye West songs and has two hit albums. The most recent, the self-titled Bon Iver, hit number 2 in the US. Although his music isn’t played the radio as much as someone like Nicki Minaj, Bon Iver deserves recognition in the mainstream music world.
Best Pop Solo Performance:
· Adele: “Someone Like You”
· Lady Gaga: “You and I”
· Bruno Mars: “Grenade”
· Katy Perry: “Firework”
· Pink: “Perfect”
Adele may take home yet another award, this time for her popular single “Someone Like You.” It’s been performed at various award shows and concerts, and each time people are blown away. Adele may be the predicted winner, but it would be amazing to see Pink or Lady Gaga take home the award.
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:
· Tony Bennet & Amy Winehouse: “Body and Soul”
· The Black Keys: “Dearest”
· Coldplay: “Paradise”
· Foster The People: “Pumped Up Kicks”
· Maroon 5 & Christina Aguilera: “Moves Like Jagger”
Choosing the winner in this category is tough, but after a lot of thought, I’ve decided on “Moves Like Jagger,” the popular single from Maroon 5 & Christina Aguilera. Even though Coldplay’s “Paradise” is great and Foster The People’s “Pumped Up Kicks” blew up the radio waves, Maroon 5 earned the gold with this fun hit, especially with stand out performance at the Victoria Secret Fashion Show last year.
Best Pop Vocal Album:
· Adele: 21
· Cee Lo Green: The Lady Killer
· Lady Gaga: Born This Way
· Bruno Mars: Doo-Wops & Hooligans
· Rihanna: Loud
It’s already been predicted Adele will take home the award for Album of the Year, but I think Lady Gaga could possibly steal this grammy from her. Not only did she have four songs dominate the music charts and radio waves, but also the album hit number one on the Billboard 200.
Best Rock Song:
· Mumford & Sons: “The Cave”
· The Decemberists: “Down By The Water”
· Coldplay: “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall”
· Radiohead: “Lotus Flower”
· Foo Fighters: “Walk”
Coldplay’s “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall” and Mumford & Son’s “The Cave” are both great for different reasons. While “The Cave” has banjos and dark lyrics compared to the bright and fun “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall”, both songs have that award winning vibe. Sadly, only one can win. My prediction has to go with Coldplay, a song with incredible vocals, lyrics and musicianship.
Best Rap Song:
· Wiz Khalifa: “Black and Yellow”
· Lupe Fiasco: “The Show Goes On”
· Jay-Z & Kanye West: “Otis”
· Dr. Dre, Eminem & Skylar Grey: “I Need A Doctor”
· Chris Brown, Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes: “Look At Me Now”
· Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi & Fergie: “All of the Lights”
The beautiful chorus of “I Need A Doctor” mixed with its heavy lyrics make this song a deserving candidate for the award. Another possible winner is “Look At Me Now,” the fast paced rap song that became a hit on Tumblr. Picking a winner wasn’t easy, but I went with “Look At Me Now” by Chris Brown, Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes. The fun, catchy song will be tough to beat.
Best Country Solo Performance:
· Jason Aldean: “Dirt Road Anthem”
· Martina McBride: “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”
· Blake Shelton: “Honey Bee”
· Taylor Swift: “Mean”
· Carrie Underwood: “Mama’s Song”
Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem” blew up on the Kiss Country station and was even played on Y100. The sound was unlike anything heard before, and I think the Academy will appreciate the pop and rap influence.
Best Country Group/Duo Performance:
· Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson: “Don’t You Wanna Stay”
· Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter: “You And Tequila”
· The Civil Wars: “Barton Hollow”
· Thompson Square: “Are You Gonna Kill Me Or Not”
While singing “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson’s voices mix perfectly, only enhancing the gorgeous lyrics. It would be shocking if they didn’t leave winners.
