The 57th edition of the Grammy’s air on CBS tonight at 8 p.m. and music fans everywhere will be flocking to their televisions to watch the most important night in music. There are also some of the most memorable moments that happen at what are the most unpredictable and entertaining awards shows on the planet.
So at the Staples Center in Los Angeles tonight we will watch the Sunday’s 57th Grammy Awards and while there always are surprises we should expect the winners to be those artists who sell the most records. Business is after all business and in the music game they know that bankable stars get the statues over some of the more edgy acts.
Big battle of the night is Taylor Swift vs. Sam Smith and can the soul full Brit beat out the All American Girl?
His 2014 breakout hit on the pop charts “Stay With Me” and “In the Lonely Hour,” the album from which it arrived, are nominated for five awards. Look for Smith to take home the new artist award beating out Haim, Bastille, Iggy Azalea and Brandy Clark.
It would be unwise to underestimate “Queen Taylor,” her song “Shake It Off” is another favorite, though voters may hold off on awarding Swift this year. Her album “1989” was released after this year’s Sept. 30 cutoff date for eligibility. Though “Shake It Off” is on the album, she strategically released it as a single just before that date, ensuring Swift spots this year and on the 2016 ballot.
The LA Times released some of the must see musical pairing for the night and I must admit that producer Ken Ehrlich continues to find just the right mix to make things interesting.
“This year’s wild combinations include British beatbox folkie Ed Sheeran, whose “X” is nominated for album of the year, teaming with a newly reunited Electric Light Orchestra. Though ELO’s Jeff Lynne could be Sheeran’s grandpa, they’re slated to share the stage and will likely perform Sheeran’s big hit “Sing.” Which ELO songs will the sprightly redhead help belt? Here’s hoping it’s “Telephone Line” or “Mr. Blue Sky.”
Other planned collaborations include Beck (nominated for, among others, album of the year for his “Morning Phase”) playing with Coldplay’s Chris Martin in what will likely be a soft, pleasant strum-fest. Multiple Grammy winner and nominee Mary J. Blige will commune with Smith. Their connection? Both have worked with English production team Disclosure. (Don’t be surprised if Disclosure is onstage too.)
While the Times gave us some idea of what we will be seeing on tonight’s show there is another thing about who will be winning. For that information I think that it is always wise to trust the folks at the Billboard (click here for the info) who have a had a great track record over the years. Checkout the CBS All Access site on your tablet or phone while watching the show for some great backstage and interactive social media features.
