Nominations for the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards were announced last week, and among those nominees are several well-known artists who’ve had great success in 2010.
Eminem, for example, could look at a recording booth and sell a million records, so we’re not surprised that Recovery garnered ten Grammy nominations.
During this year’s mid-term elections, there was an unprecedented, unanimous vote to continue over-obsessing about all things Katy Perry, so of course she received four Grammy nods.
And there can’t be an awards show without Lady Gaga (no, really, there can’t be), so no one’s shocked that she’s up for six of those little statuettes.
And I respect all those artists for their great music and for their hard work. Really, I do.
But let’s look at some less popular but equally talented artists who could win big at next year’s 53rd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony.
Michael Buble’
Nothing adds insult to a quarter-life crisis like realizing most of your favorite songs fall into the “Adult Contemporary” category. And though I tried really hard to not like this guy, I always find myself singing along to Michael Buble’ songs whenever they’re on the radio.
The Grammys have awarded Buble’ nominations in two “Pop” categories, but let’s face it — just because Buble’s borrowing jackets and jeans from Justin Timberlake doesn’t really make him ”pop.”
Some of my Michael Buble’ favorites are his cover of classic, “Crazy Love,” and his hit single, ”Hollywood.” In addition to being nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, Buble’ could also take home honors for ”Haven’t Met You Yet” in the Best Male Pop Vocal Performance category.
Ryan Leslie
A year ago, I went to Ryan Leslie’s private listening party in Los Angeles and was thrilled to witness his live performances of songs like “Diamond Girl” and “Addiction.”
Though his hit-making abilities are pretty awesome, I am more fascinated with the fact that he scored 1600 on his SATs and graduated from Harvard at 19. Hmph. Smarty Pants.
Leslie’s 2009 release, Transitions, is nominated for Best Contemporary R&B Album along with Chris Brown’s, Graffiti, and R Kelly’s, Untitled (yes, R Kelly did have a release within the last 12 months). “You’re Not My Girl” is one the best tracks from Transitions, and how refreshing it will be if the multi-talented producer, musician, singer snags his first Grammy!
Pastor Marvin Sapp
With one of the most soothing, soulful, and perfect voices in Gospel music, Pastor Marvin Sapp’s Grammy nod for Best Traditional Gospel Album for Here I Am is a well-deserved nomination.
Though Sapp has been a fixture in the Gospel music scene for years, his single, “Never Would Have Made It,” went platinum and gained Sapp International recognition.
A couple of the industry’s beloved, old school songstresses, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Shirley Caesar, are nominated in the category for The Experience and A City Called Heaven, respectively. But Sapp’s combination of inspirational music and cross over appeal give him an edge in this group. Here’s the Pastor’s video for “Best In Me” from Here I Am.
Arcade Fire
One of my projects for 2010 was to fully grasp all the nuances that make up the enigma that is Arcade Fire. As musicians, they each excel at multiple instruments, so your favorite band member might be on the drums, rocking the mic, or even playing the accordion. Their wardrobe choices are more alternative than they are trendy, but they’re always individualistic.
With songs like, “The Suburbs,” and “Ready to Start,” they are quirky but relatable.
To say that Arcade Fire is multi-faceted is an understatement, and to say I’ve figured them out would be a lie.
Thankfully, though, the Grammy’s figured out enough to recognize Arcade Fire’s musical brilliance with 3 nominations.
I’m sure the indie rockers are over the moon about being nominated for Album of the Year along with Eminem’s Recovery and Lady Gaga’s The Fame Monster. Will the ensemble top the Grammy alums and take the hardware back to Canada? Of course, we have to wait until February to find out, but with nominations for Best Alternative Album and Best Rock Performance by Duo or Group, hopefully, Arcade Fire goes home with at least one gramophone!
Who are some of your favorite Grammy nominees? Comment below, and be sure to check back for more of the latest music news and reviews from Erica Davis right here on Positively Celebrity!
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