The Grammys - From My View

First time since 1999 I've watched the Grammys since Christian music came along. I haven't paid much attention to mainstream artists with rare exception and I probably couldn't name you one artist in the Top 10 right now.

This year's Grammy show, from a production standpoint, blew me away.

Comedian Stephen Colbert did a good job as host and I giggled at his comment about rock stars who come to the awards to pat each other on the back for a good job and then give them an award. That's about it, right? We do that in Christian music - we give ourselves awards for doing ministry. I guess we're no different.

But at this year's Grammy's, it was different. It wasn't about the award - it was about the celebrities, the stage sets and surprise appearances.

My goodness - who would have thought 62-year-old Elton John would still be relevant, let alone open the show in a duet with Lady Gaga. And, they were good together! It worked! I guess I wasn't expecting much from Lady Gaga but, I was impressed.

Pink performed "Glitter In The Air" in a sleazy acrobatic outfit that wrapped her up, swung her into the air as if she was in Cirque du Soleil. She spun, she sung, she was soaked in water, suspended over the crowd, still singing, and then lowered to the stage without missing a breath. Hard not to say "oh wow!". It was very Vegas!

Katy Perry and Alice Cooper came out to introduce the next selection of nominees. Always an Alice fan, it was good to see him still active in 2010. And Katy Perry who has gone from "Christian artist" to the "I Kissed A Girl" bad girl - I dunno. Something in my spirit tells me the bad girl stuff is really record company marketing stuff. Maybe I'm just hoping she'll return to Christian music. (A second Christian album by Alice would be fun too!)

Bon Jovi - yes, yes! Anytime. Jon is a man of faith. If his songs aren't about having a party, they're probably about hanging on to hope, being imperfect people and "God will get us through" - and I feel motivated by most of his songs.

The Jonas Brothers presented. Another Christian band - each of whom wear purity rings. Well, I guess Kevin would have replaced his with a wedding ring. But hey - what's with the new look on Joe? What's that all about?

Christian girl, country artist Taylor Swift performed with Fleetwood Mac's Steve Nicks. Stevie looked sharp, even for a grandmother. Taylor proved that a recording studio can take any "off tune" singer and make them sound like a million bucks. Taylor probably has the million now but not the voice. Sadly, the pitchy notes were clearly noticeable.

There was the new Michael Jackson "Earth Song" with five "living" celebrities that was fairly forgettable, but it would have been a disservice to the industry to not honour Michael at the Grammys. The appearance of his two children Prince and Paris were cute - (where was the third kid?) The rock stars in the audience were mesmerized by the kids - probably because neither kid looks like Michael. Hmmm.

Now the Christian part of the show - which unfortunately was announced off the air. The category was Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album. Whaaat? Rock , Rap and Gospel competing in the same category? Isn't that a bit like - oh never mind. "Live Revelations" by Third Day won it. Would have rather they had the stage presence than an award.

Speaking of Christian, or are we - Kings Of Leon (who have strong Pentecostal roots), have virtually left their faith at the bar, making several mentions of "shots". Sadly, every article I read about these brothers seems to refer to excessive drinking. Still "Use Somebody" got them the award for Best Rock Performance.

Well, the GMA Dove Awards are next. Can't wait til April. Maybe Alice Cooper will show up!