THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE:
Five Grammy Winners for the Next Decade
by Rob Brookman
In late February, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) continued its well-documented habit of awarding Grammys to performers whose seminal work predates their nomination by at least two decades. This year's addition to the Grammy better-late-than-never hall of fame was Steely Dan, whose Two Against Nature comeback CD was named album of the year approximately 25 years after Pretzel Logic should have taken the same honor.
In light of that track record, what can we expect from the Grammys in the 10 years to come? DAA looks at the likely favorites.
1. Pop Collaboration With Vocals (2005): Eminem and Elton John, "The Barney Theme" -- Even the rapper's harshest critics are reportedly moved to tears when, backed by sympathetic vocal harmonies from live-in boyfriend Elton John, the former Marshall Mathers steals the 2004 telecast from the first verse of his Grammy-nominated hit: "I love you/You love me/We're a happy family." Sean Combs and Jennifer Lopez present the award via tape from the Alameda Minimum Security Correctional Center.
2. Traditional Blues Album (2008): Trent Reznor, Cut These Blues From My Flesh -- Speaking to the press after taking the Grammy for his second nominated album and first blues recording, Reznor thanks "Blind Lemon Jefferson, my acupuncturist and the iron maiden in my TV room, not necessarily in that order."
3. Song of the Year (2009): Sisqo, "The Bong Song" -- As expected, Sisqo wins his first Grammy for his multi-platinum post-legalization anthem. Presenters Cyprus Hill bring the crowd to their feet with a speech that concludes with the thought, "I mean, have you ever really looked at your hand?"
4. Album of the Year (2010): Madonna, Musak -- The Material Girl receives top honors for singlehandedly igniting an international elevator music craze (groundwork laid by the band Air is not acknowledged). Third husband Sean Combs calls the album "slammin'" and is later arrested for waving a .38 in the press room.
5. Female Pop Performance (2011): Thom Yorke -- On the heels of his third solo disc, Falsetto Sunset, former Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke is mistakenly nominated for -- and awarded -- the Grammy for Best Female Pop Performance. Yorke cheerfully accepts the award, calling it "a triumph the larynx." Reportedly, Yorke is later involved in a shoving match with Barbra Streisand at a Grammy post party.
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