Welcome to the latest
TGJ Roundtable!

Over the years, That Grape Juice has established a distinguished voice that – whether loved or loathed – sparks discussion, debate, and on occasion drama!

Though comprised of seasoned writers who share a similar outlook on Urban Pop culture, the idiosyncrasies of the TGJ team members often lend for quite heated debates “behind the scenes” about the hottest topics.

Now, we give you a front-row seat to the show. In a format similar to ‘The View’ or ‘The Real’, TGJ editors – Sam, Rashad, Joe, and Ryan – get real in a very candid way.

Today’s roundtable topic asks each anchor their thoughts on the…

GRAMMYs 2022

Sam

This may very well be the first GRAMMYs for me that saw the winner’s list be more action-packed than the performances.

And even then, there were a few real eyebrow raisers.

Calling a spade a spade, many stage blazers sat out this year. This ranged from odd absences ala Adele (who is perhaps eyeing 2023 when she’ll be eligible for noms?) to acts who were in the building – and in some cases even won – yet didn’t grace the stage like Jazmine Sullivan, Doja Cat, and Megan Thee Stallion.

Even my favorites from those who did take to the stage left me wanting more. Indeed, superstars and big winners Silk Sonic and Lady Gaga reminded us why they are some of the most celebrated and dependable performers of modern times. But, for as “good” as their showings were, such is the height of their skill that “a normal day at the office” ultimately translates as phoned-in and cruising on autopilot. Stages like this call for something elevated and memorable and that wasn’t the case with either.

Similarly and surprisingly, Lil Nas X didn’t do much for me this time. As a huge cheerleader of his and having applauded the upward incline of his performances over the last year, this didn’t rouse me at a technical level nor was it rich in entertainment value either. Unfortunate, as it’s felt as though he’s been finding the right balance between both. This was a step back.

On a more nuanced note, there were two highly questionable shockers in some of the niche global categories. Namely, the total snubs for both Wizkid and Spice. Acts that have unquestionably shattered glass ceilings and really flown their respective flags on a global scale. I was already perplexed neither was tapped to perform (even on the pre-show), but to walk away empty-handed doesn’t reflect well (at all). Especially with a song as seismic and internationally resonating as ‘Essence.’

I can’t believe I’m saying this either, but such was the squareness and predictability of the show at large that the producer in me was actually yearning for a Kanye West appearance. This coming from the same me who (like most) has been exhausted by his antics and initially felt no way about his axing. Ultimately, the ceremony needed someone, anyone who could add some pepper and spice to an otherwise unseasoned entrée.

It wasn’t all meh, though.

I garnered ample joy seeing Jazmine Sullivan finally receive her flowers with two big wins. Similarly, Doja Cat and SZA snatching their first GRAMMYs respectively was one of the few “moments” on the broadcast.

And, in what is becoming an increasing trend of late, it’s clear the GRAMMYs are taking the approach of “a little something for everyone” with the winners list rather than total sweeps and I’m here for it.

What I wasn’t here for, more broadly though, was the show at large. There just wasn’t much thrill factor this year. Perhaps it’s the extenuating circumstances of moving the ceremony to a new month in a new city with short notice? Maybe it’s simply the fact that a lot of acts aren’t in a campaign cycle now (or weren’t during the nomination frame)? Or it just might be one of those years. Whatever the case, this installment of the GRAMMYs simply was not giving.

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Rashad

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Joe

Sincerely, this was the most underwhelming GRAMMY Awards ceremony I have ever watched.

In all fairness, in the absence of the usual heavy-hitters, it was never going to be a mind-blowing event. And sadly, even solid performances by Silk Sonic, BTS, and Lil Nas X weren’t enough to turn it around.

The most satisfying aspect of the extravaganza was surely seeing Jazmine Sullivan, Doja Cat, and SZA getting their due after successful respective runs.

Once and again, host Trevor Noah was great – with what was served to him. After crushing last year’s Covid-altered ceremony, I was looking forward to seeing him slaying a “normal” ceremony, LA Live and all… but Omicron had decided otherwise. Maybe next year.

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Ryan

Another year, another GRAMMY Award ceremony has passed. Poised to be the big return to in-person performances and in a new venue, there was a lot of hype going into this year. Well, did it deliver?

To put it bluntly, it went over like a fart in church. From the performances to the winners, it was very much lackluster all around. I mean, I didn’t have hopes going into this year’s ceremony given that Justin Bieber had eight nominations for ‘Justice,’ but maybe, just maybe, the actual show could pull through.

Now, that’s not to say that in some aspects it did pull through and create some memorable moments. Case in point, Chris Stapleton‘s show-stopping performance of his song ‘Cold.’ No glitz, no glamor, just a man and his voice. Easily one of the best performances of the night.

Similarly, Brothers Osbourne closed out the show on a high note after taking home their first GRAMMY earlier that night.

Elsewhere, BTS gave the best “flashy” performance of the night when they took the stage to perform their song ‘Butter.’ Deciding to opt for a James Bond theme, the boys were able to save the day with this performance.

Outside of that though, there isn’t much to write home about. I mean, even Lil Nas X disappointed. His backing track was too loud and he appeared as if being there was the last thing he wanted to do. It’s weird because he has given highlight after highlight at these award shows, then nothing at the biggest one.

Justin Bieber’s performance served its purpose as a bathroom and snack break.

Billie Eilish and Silk Sonic were all flare and no substance or follow through. I will not elaborate, the performances say it all.

When it comes to the awards, they were a mixed bag as well. The inner Swfitie in me is saying ‘Evermore’ deserved Album of the Year, but the realist in me knows that it should have gone to ‘Planet Her’ or ‘Sour’ for their cultural impact over the last year.

Best New Artist was a lock for Olivia, and Silk Sonic was expected to with their respected trophies.

But, can I just say, Jazmine winning her first GRAMMYs? Yessss Queen, come through. ‘Heaux Tales’ was the best R&B album of last year and it’s nice to see her get her flowers finally.

Other than that, there is not much to say. So until next time, gentle reader, this has been the 2022 GRAMMY Awards roundtable.

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Do you agree with our picks? Who was spot on? Let us know your thoughts on the latest TGJ Roundtable and your thoughts on the GRAMMYs 2022.

Your thoughts?

[Photo Via: Recording Academy / Getty]