This weekend was a roller coaster of emotions. It was Grammy weekend; the biggest night in the music industry and with all the excitement came the tragic news of Whitney Houston's passing.
Death is a part of life, but I felt this one like it was someone I knew personally. I LOVED Whitney! I don't know a person who hasn't sung one of her songs trying to hit/ hold her notes. To this day I still can't but it is always something to aspire to...Whitney remains "THE VOICE" of our time! (And dare I say I don't think anyone will ever come close!)
Highlights for me:
Jennifer Hudson - She did that Whitney tribute justice like noone else could. I was looking for Chaka Khan, who was rumored to perform, but Jennifer put the exclamation on that tribute! WOW!
Bruce Springsteen, Paul Mc Cartney and David Grohl (Foo Fighter lead) taking the stage together? EPIC!
So many categories were not aired in the telecast BUT I want to shout out some of my faves who won: Melanie Fiona, Corinne Bailey Rae, Lady Antebellum and even my girl Betty White for Best Spoken Word Album (yes Betty is running the gamut you hear me? lol)
A special congrats to Skrillex for his 3 Grammy wins. I had no idea who he was until about a week before the awards show. My friend, Julie, told me about him, and lo and behold Skrillex was not only nominated but won 3 of the awards. I always like the "underdog" story.
For a complete list of nominees and winners, click here http://www.grammy.com/nominees
Death is a part of life, but I felt this one like it was someone I knew personally. I LOVED Whitney! I don't know a person who hasn't sung one of her songs trying to hit/ hold her notes. To this day I still can't but it is always something to aspire to...Whitney remains "THE VOICE" of our time! (And dare I say I don't think anyone will ever come close!)
The incomparable Ms Whitney Houston
(Billboard Image)
I attended the Grammy party in New York City. It was bittersweet for me because although the Grammy events are always exciting, I felt sad because of the loss of Whitney, and also because it was Gene McDaniels birthday. Gene passed away last year. At the time of Gene's passing, we were working on a music project together. I only knew him for a short period of time but he was such a nice guy, uber-talented and very down-to-earth. It was an honor that he was interested in my music. I was very happy to see the Recording Academy include him in their memoriam. RIP Gene and our beloved Whitney!
Apart from that, I enjoyed the Grammy Awards this year. The more I develop as a musician, I understand the work it takes to get there. The talent that hit that stage was intriguing and definitely inspiring.
Adele - Awesome is such an understated word for Adele! I predicted that she would "clean up" at the Grammys and she did not disappoint! She won all 6 Grammy awards in the categories in which she was nominated, proving that talent does not need a big production. You also don't have to be twig and half-naked on stage. With just her voice and a mic, Adele wowed everyone! When I grow up I want to be like Adele :)
Adele
(Billboard Image)
Jennifer Hudson - She did that Whitney tribute justice like noone else could. I was looking for Chaka Khan, who was rumored to perform, but Jennifer put the exclamation on that tribute! WOW!
Jennifer Hudson
(Billboard Image)
Bruce Springsteen, Paul Mc Cartney and David Grohl (Foo Fighter lead) taking the stage together? EPIC!
Bruce Springsteen (left), Paul McCartney (center) and David Grohl (pictured to the right of Paul)
(Billboard Image)
And I LOVE David Grohl's acceptance speech" "To me this award means a lot because it shows that the human element of music is what’s most important,” he said, as members of the audience began to applaud. “Singing into a microphone and learning to play an instrument and learning to do your craft, that’s the most important thing for people to do.”
A special congrats to Skrillex for his 3 Grammy wins. I had no idea who he was until about a week before the awards show. My friend, Julie, told me about him, and lo and behold Skrillex was not only nominated but won 3 of the awards. I always like the "underdog" story.
Skrillex
(Billboard Image)
My girl, Alicia Keys, with a soulful rendition of "A Sunday Kind of Love" performed with Bonnie Raitt in the Etta James tribute
(Billboard Image)
My cousin and I at the Grammy Party, 40/40 club NYC
For a complete list of nominees and winners, click here http://www.grammy.com/nominees
