- Title: USA/VARIOUS: NOMINATIONS FOR THE GRAMMY AWARDS
- Date: 3rd January 2001
- Summary: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (FEBRUARY 15, 2001) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL) SCU (SOUNDBITE) (English) BRUCE HARING SAYING "I think that category talks about people who -- the album that sort of defines their career and brings them to the largest public attention or something where it basically says anybody can really be recognized for this award and Shelby has had a
- Embargoed: 18th January 2001 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES AND VARIOUS
- Country: USA
- Topics: Entertainment
- Reuters ID: LVABIWEW84T99L0D7XM7DXHTSQOU
- Story Text: Foul-mouthed rapper Eminem may not "give a damn" about the Grammys, but music's No. 1 bad boy may have to change his tune if he wins a few more of the prestigious awards on Wednesday (February 21) night.
The 28-year-old singer, who has four nominations, is easily the most controversial contender in years, thanks to a hugely successful album often described as vile, violent, homophobic and visionary.
With no clear front-runners, most of the closely watched categories could go any way, and the Eminem factor adds another variable to the equation, according to several music industry observers contacted by Reuters.
Eminem's "The Marshall Mathers LP," a nod to his real name, is the favorite for the key album of the year Grammy.
But a dark horse like singer-songwriter Paul Simon or English band Radiohead may scoop the prize.
"Clearly, when you're talking about albums that have an impact on the year, you're not only talking about the ones that everybody can agree on, you're also talking about the ones that clearly have made an impact in some way shape or form," says Bruce Haring, music critic and staff writer for online entertainment publication Inside.com.
"Marshall Mathers" has sold eight million copies in the United States, but its apparent glorification of homophobia and domestic violence upset many people. On the other hand, Eminem also railed against sexual peccadilloes in the Oval Office, parental irresponsibility, violent movies and boy bands.
A coalition of gay, women's and religious groups will protest outside Los Angeles' Staples Center where awards in 100 categories will be handed out. Inside, Eminem is scheduled to perform "Stan," his provocative ode to a homicidal fan, in a duet with openly gay singer Elton John.
The other album of the year contenders are Simon's commercial bomb "You're The One," Radiohead's experimental opus "Kid A," veteran jazz-rock duo Steely Dan's "Two Against Nature" and modern rocker Beck's "Midnite Vultures." Simon's 16 Grammys include three album of the year prizes, while the Radiohead album was one of the most acclaimed works of 2000, factors which could give them an edge.
Eminem, who won two rap Grammys last year, is competing for three rap awards this year. In his own inimitable fashion, he eulogized the Grammys in his tune "The Real Slim Shady" -- "You think I give a damn about a Grammy? Half you critics can't even stomach me, let alone stand me."
Eminem's mentor, 36-year-old rap pioneer Dr. Dre, who executive produced "Marshall Mathers," shares the most nominations this year -- five -- with singer/songwriter Beyonce Knowles, 19, leader of female R&B group Destiny's Child.
In all, 25 artists drew three or more nominations. Last year's Grammys were easier to predict: veteran guitarist Carlos Santana led the field with 10 nominations and it was no surprise when he won eight trophies.
Even last year's Grammys threw up a few surprises, notably in the volatile best new artist category where teen pop singer Christina Aguilera surprised everyone -- including herself -- by beating the critical favorite, soulful rocker Macy Gray.
While everyone's top pick this year is Sisqo, the 23-year-old R&B star best known for the naughty ditty "Thong Song," critic Haring has a different take.
"Shelby (Lynne) has had at least three or four albums but this is the one that has gained the most prominence in her career so therefore she's the best new artist. She's a strong sentimental choice there. I think alot of people have respected her work for a long time and would like to reward her for a job well done,"
says Haring.
Others say her rivals, Papa Roach and Brad Paisley are too narrowly focused on their respective hard rock and country genres, while R&B's Jill Scott made great albums that may not have been heard by enough voters.
In the song of the year race, country tunes "Breathe,"
sung by Faith Hill, or "I Hope You Dance," sung by Lee Ann Womack, are up against "Beautiful Day" by Irish rockers U2, Macy Gray's "I Try" and Destiny's Child's "Say My Name." U2, Gray and Destiny's Child are also up for record of the year, against pop queen Madonna's "Music" and boy band 'N Sync's "Bye Bye Bye."
Grammy nominations ballots for the final round of voting were mailed January 12 to the 12,000 voting members of the more than 17,000-member Recording Academy. Ballots were tabulated by the accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche and will be kept secret until the telecast.
Winners in the 500 -plus nominations from the 100 categories will be revealed for the first time during the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards telecast on February 21, 2001. The three-hour show will originate from Staples Center in Los Angeles and be broadcast in North America on CBS-TV. The show will reach a worldwide audience of nearly 2 billion people in 180 countries.
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