In answer to Stephen's earlier question, no, I don't really care about the Grammys. I probably haven't watched that particular music awards show (or really, any of the current music awards shows) in who knows how long. But I figure this year, I'll tune in just to see if I actually know or care about the nominees. I'm also kinda curious about this year's performances, there being a huge amount of them. A few are possibly bailing out already according to E!'s live red carpet coverage — Chris Brown probably, Rihanna definitely; the rumors are that Al Green or Justin Timberlake will replace them. And Boys II Men are up for two Grammys. I didn't even know they made a comeback! My bad.
8 p.m. U2, uninspired. Bono looks fat.
8:05 And here's Whitney Houston looking good, looking real real good. Best R&B Album: Jennifer Hudson. She is in awe of Whitney, obviously.
8:09 Dwayne Johnson = The Rock. In case you had no idea who the fuck they were talking about. And how is he a credible music presenter?
8:13 Justin Timberlake introduces and joins Al Green with Keith Urban and Boys II Men (who lost Best R&B Album to Hudson) for "Let's Stay Together." Was this performance on the Grammys performance schedule? NO. Pretty nice for an impromtu.
NEWS FLASH: Chris Brown's in trouble, sought in connection with a felony battery. Maybe that's why he wasn't available for tonight's performance? And Rihanna isn't there from embarassment? On a side note, Rihanna was supposed to sing "Live Your Life/Disturbia" as the second performance of the night, Brown was supposed to sing "Forever" later on. Brown and Rihanna were both nominated in the pop collaboration with vocals category, Brown for "No Air" with American Idol champion Jordin Sparks; and Rihanna for "If I Never See Your Face Again" with Maroon 5. Brown was also nominated for male R&B vocal performance for "Take You Down."
This article appears in Feb 4-10, 2009.