As evidenced by the rant of ‘Believe’ beau Justin Bieber‘s manager, it’s pretty safe to say that some camps are still up-in-arms about the 2013 Grammy nominations unveiled last night.
Indeed, every year sees some scorned team or artist supporter feel “cheated” due to an absence from the nominations tally (see: Jill Scott’s rant last year), but this year marks a noted difference in that A) the male domination of categories, B) the absence of hip-hop and R&B from major categories, and C) the glaring, 2011-instated removal of “gender-specific” categories.
With only acts who released material from September 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012 eligible for consideration, the wealth of overlooked talent is earning a collective side-eye from many-a-music lover. Just ask fans of Brandy & Monica‘s ‘It All Belongs To Me’, Mary J. Blige, Lana Del Rey, Madonna, and, of course, Nicki Minaj & Justin Bieber…
Surprise: Miguel
No major commercial impact with ‘Kaleidoscope Dream’ (yet), but still managed to nab ‘Song of the Year’ (amongst other noms) for ‘Adorn’. Kudos.
Snub: Pink
‘Truth About Love’ only gets one nomination for ‘Best Pop Vocal Album’ despite being hailed one of the best albums of the year and earning the singer her highest first week sales ever.
Surprise: Frank Ocean
We know he’s had a great year, but topping it off with 6 Grammy nominations? Wow. It’s great to see a new artist tie for most nominations.
Snub: Female singers
Don’t expect to see a female sweep the Grammys this year as there is a “dearth of diva” on this year’s tally. The day of diva domination (i.e. Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Adele, Lauryn Hill, Norah Jones, Taylor Swift, and Amy Winehouse cleaning house) is on a temporary vacation.
Surprise: Kelly Clarkson’s nominations…finally getting long overdue recognition
Snub: No Nicki Minaj..anywhere…not even as a featured artist
Surprise: Jeff Bhasker ‘Producer of the Year’ nod
Snub: No “top sellers” listed in ‘Producer of the Year’ category (i.e. Redone, Rico Love, Bangladesh/Sean Garrett)
Surprise: Beyonce‘s ‘Love On Top’ grabs nom, while R&B starlet Tamia nabs two for ‘Beautiful Surprise’
Snub: Brandy’s ‘Put It Down’ as well as Hip Hop/R&B overall being noticeably absent from Grammy’s top prizes (bar ‘Thinkin Bout You’ in ‘Record of the Year’ category).
See the full list of nominations here.
Your thoughts?