Inside Music with Melinda Newman

Ladies rule Grammy nominations despite Whitney Houston snub

New rock absent, veterans remain: Are there any surprising 52nd annual Grammy Award nominees?

By Melinda Newman Wednesday, Dec 2, 2009 11:21 PM

Ladies rule Grammy nominations despite Whitney Houston snub

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Taylor Swift and Beyonce scored a number of nominations for the 52nd annual Grammy Awards

Oh yes, it’s ladies’ night.

Kool & the Gang may have first sung the song in 1979, but it was truer than ever 30 years later as Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Lady GaGa are among the top contenders for the 52^nd annual Grammy Awards.

Beyonce leads all artists with 10 nods, while Swift fields eight and Lady GaGa five.

It’s not a bad night either for the Black Eyed Peas, Kanye West and Maxwell, who grab six nominations, while Kings of Leon, Colbie Caillat and Bruce Springsteen garner four. For a complete list of the nominations, click here.

We’ll be writing a lot more about the Grammys between now and the Jan. 31 awards show, but here are a few quick observations about the nominations and the omissions.

Overall, this is the most mainstream group of nominations in years. While the Grammys have grown ever more in line with what’s popular on the radio each year—and that is not necessarily a good thing—we could usually count on some dark horse to inspire water cooler conversation, such as Jazmine Sullivan’s nomination for best new artist last year or Ledisi a few year ago. There’s also usually some album of the year contender that has only appealed to the cognoscenti or geezers, such as last year’s winner, Herbie Hancock’s “River: The Joni Letters.” Not this year. The album of the year contenders were all plucked straight from the upper reaches of the Billboard 200. The only album nominated for album of the year that hasn’t topped the chart is Lady GaGa’s “The Fame,” but it’s been in the top 10 practically longer than the rest of the other nominees combined.
Whitney Houston is completely shut out. Her label even moved the release of her album, “I Look to You” up a day to make sure it was eligible and forced poor Houston to perform live in that humiliating “Good Morning America” concert and yet she couldn’t eek out even a best female R&B vocal performance nod. That’s not an omission, my friends, that is a total slap down…Also licking their wounds about now? U2. “No Line on the Horizon” has to settle for best rock album and Green Day, whose “21^st Century Breakdown” also gets locked out except for best rock album (both groups also got rock song and rock performance nods).

It’s a bad year for alternative music when it comes to Grammy nods. The Decemberists, who many folks thought had a real shot at album of the year, much less a number of other nominations, were completely locked out. No alternative music album, no nothing. Similarly, Grizzly Bear received zero nominations as did Animal Collective. Instead, David Byrne & Brian Eno’s “Everything that Happens Will Happen Today” gets a slot for best alternative music album. Grammy voters, buy a clue—or get your grandkid to fill out your ballot. Sheesh.
I have no idea why “Single Ladies” isn’t nominated for Record of the Year and “Halo” is. When you think “record,” think about the totality of the sound of the song: the performance, the production, etc. That’s why this award doesn’t go to the writer; it goes to everyone who crafted and massaged the song. “Single Ladies” boasts a far more interesting production than “Halo,” which does get the nod for Beyonce here. “You Belong to Me” doesn’t belong here. There is absolutely nothing noteworthy about the production and sound of that song other than Taylor Swift sounds on key (did I really just write that?)
I give the 10,000 or so Grammy voters credit. They completely get the difference between a record and a song here. For example, I would be writing this through my tears if the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling” had been nominated for song of the year. There’s no song there. If we’re going to anoint Swift’s “You Belong to Me,” this was the proper and rightful place to do so. It’s a strong song. Sadly, songs with a traditional verse and chorus, i.e. the kind of songs people will be singing 20 years from now, the don’t get recognized here… they’re all relegated to best country, folk or rock songs. The closest thing here to a real song is “Pretty Wings.” I am a little surprised that Keri Hilson’s “Knock You Down” didn’t get a nod here.
The Ting Tings for best new artist? Really? Last year would have been more appropriate for them. It almost feels like they’ve peaked already. The Silversun Pickups nomination is nice and well deserved. Zac Brown, Keri Hilson and MGMT are no big surprise. After that trio (and given that Lady GaGa wasn’t eligible), there were a slew of potentials. I would have given the Ting Tings’ spot to including Kevin Rudolf, Diane Birch or Ingrid Michaelson.
Lady Gaga isn’t nominated for best female pop vocal performance. Was there any female who better represented pop this year than LG? We don’t think so. What’s with that?
When all else fails and the Grammys want to honor a veteran artist, they take a live selection and treat it as if it’s something special. I personally think there should be a live category and, otherwise, live cuts shouldn’t be eligible. The offenders this year are Daryl Hall & John Oates’ “Sara Smile,” from “Live at the Troubadour” (I was at that show and it was great, but please) and the selections from Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood’s “Live from Madison Square Garden” set. Of course, nothing will ever top Tony Bennett winning the album of the year for his “MTV Unplugged” set. No disrespect to Bennett, but that was a travesty.

What do you think of this year’s slate?

Lisa

Whitney was robbed. Her consolation prize is the fact that the album is already Platinum. :) Screw the Grammys.
December 3, 2009 at 1:15AM EST Reply to Comment
- Carl Morris Whitney is in a different place in her life. Many people wanted her to exceed but let's be honest a lot of people didn't want her to. Whitney has shown the world that with God all things are possible. Regardless to weather this Grammys give her an award or not she has showmn that she was not built to break. The grammys just don't realize that their attempt to hurt Whitney has only caused them future hurt and pain from a world of Whitney supporters including the God almight. What people fell to realize when someone turns to God for help and truly mean it, He will never let you down! What God has for you is for you and can't no show or no one interfear with His plan. Whitney keep on looking up to God and to all the people that's bad mouthing Whitney you better be careful because God is truly on this girl side and He said vengences is mine and I will repay thee!
  December 6, 2009 at 7:55PM EST
Jordo

I think these nominations show that the Grammys need a little tweaking with the voting process. Very frustrating. Many of these choices seem either obvious or merely random.

Also, didn't Robert Plant and Alison Krauss win Album last year? Either way, the cognoscenti/geezer principle rings true. How crazy is it that DMB is the oldest act in the Album of the Year category?
December 3, 2009 at 4:04AM EST Reply to Comment
gregel

How about Britney Spears' 'Womanizer' not getting nominate for anything but best dance track? Really? That doesn't at least deserve a best female pop vocal over Pink or Katy Perry? And her comeback album, the best reviewed in her career can't hit the pop album category? Really? The industry hates her that much?
December 3, 2009 at 4:25AM EST Reply to Comment
Dinesh

The Grammy Awards was the last vestige for recognition of real music. When Radio keeps playing crap and the record labels keep manipulating what we hear, the Grammy's would always be there to remind us that there is better music out there. Not so this year. The worst is leaving out the return to form Whitney with a now bruised but still heart rending voice and giving that gazelle, Beyonce 10 nods for shaking her rumps in style. Downright ridiculous!
December 3, 2009 at 4:28AM EST Reply to Comment
- Damion Uh, Houston's album is terrible...have you bothered to listen to it...if you can get through it without falling asleep that is. The album is seeling terribly...why? Because it's not a good album at all! it doesn't deserve to be wasting space at the music store, nevermind getting any sort of nominations!
  December 3, 2009 at 10:05AM EST
- toya Failing to give Whitney Houston a grammy nod is unconsciounable imo. I have the album and truthfully, it is rare that i find an album that i can listen to from track 1 to 11 without skipping.
  
  Her album speaks to me on so many levels and really is her most personally. Well, bleep the grammys because the album is the best selling 2009 r&b album this year and it's sold over 2mil copies ww more than any other r&b nominee except beyonce's whose album has been out longer.
  
  Whitney, keep doing your thing. keep God in your life, and know that u are loved and that the Grammys doesn't define you.
  December 6, 2009 at 7:40PM EST
Brewster

I was very disappointed that Whitney Houston did not get a nod. The nominations were embarrassing. Taylor Swift?????? The Grammys clearly are no longer the superbowl for musical talent. With the exception of Maxwell and Beyonce, the nominations are a joke. The artists are too gimmicky with no talent!
December 3, 2009 at 7:37AM EST Reply to Comment
- Damion Um, Taylor Swift has proven to be an artist to be reckoned with, so she deserves every nomination. Even more deserving is the nominations for uber-talented Lady Gaga who SHOULD win album of the year for her absolutely brilliant "Fame" album.
  December 3, 2009 at 9:58AM EST
Mario

I wont be watching the Grammys this year, not giving Whitney Houston a nomination for Million Dollar Bill is inexcusable and most of the so called music that is nominated is horrible. Screw the Grammys.
December 3, 2009 at 8:51AM EST Reply to Comment
- Damion Are you nuts? "Million Dollar Bill" didn't deserve to be recordeed, nevermind being nominated for anything, other than maybe "Worst Attempt at a Comeback." The song is an embarrassment to Houston's repertoire and her album was an astonishingly bad attempt at a revival. Hence why, you know, it's flopping.
  December 3, 2009 at 10:00AM EST
Damion

Um, why would Houston get nominated? Her album is terrible! One boring song after another. She shouldn't be nominated just for who she is, she should be nominated when she decides to release material that isn't crap.
December 3, 2009 at 9:55AM EST Reply to Comment
- Dinesh You seem hell bent on agreeing with the Whitney snub. commenting on each post that disagreed with the snub. Who are you? Damage controller fr the Grammies or Mariah Carey in disguise?
  December 3, 2009 at 11:24AM EST
- ck if she so terrible why has I Look to You' been certified Platinum by the RIAA for sales in excess of 1ï»¿ million units in the United States. i dont think an terrible album will make that kinda sales and that is only the sales in the united states here in holland when i wanted to buy the cd the 2 day of release it was already sold out.
  December 3, 2009 at 12:47PM EST
- Giorgio I think your comments about Mrs. Houston are crap. Her album isn't bad. It is easy to be a jerk and an a**hole when you definitely have not even great skills as a writer. Keep your negativity to yourself.
  December 3, 2009 at 4:43PM EST
Ann

Whitney Houston should have been given several nominations for her excellent album. However, what matters most in "music" today is seldom talent or melody--but rather the noise level and voice enhancement that is rampant in productions. Plus, the more shocking the better? Taylor Swift is a talented young singer who needs to thank Kanye West for propelling her into sympathy nirvana.
As for Damion's comments on this post--what a shill he is. He needs to listen to Whitney's song about the haters in this world--she ain't singing for you. All the lover's in the world--we're just so glad she is back with or without a Grammy nomination.
December 3, 2009 at 1:36PM EST Reply to Comment
Joe Funtime

The person 'Damion' who comments on here is a total loser. Get a life, dude! Go get a job! You're ugly and even your mom hates you.
December 3, 2009 at 1:37PM EST Reply to Comment
Stevon

Who really believes Whitney is clean and sober--I don't. Also she cannot sing...she gasp for air from breathing heavy and doesn't even move to be out of breath and has back up singers who sing for her. She cannot sing anymore to receive a grammy. She is no comeback. Tina Turner is 70 years old can still belt out her songs and dance up a storm. Whitney is probably broke and needs money for her drugs so they cleaned her up fattened her up and pushed her out there.
December 5, 2009 at 5:57PM EST Reply to Comment
Tiff

It's as simple as realizing that these award shows are no longer about talent as it is popularity voting !
December 6, 2009 at 2:18PM EST Reply to Comment
Jimmie Lee

The fact that Whtiney's I Look To You's release date was pushed so that it would be eligible for a Grammy says a lot. It's Whitney, so let's get her a Grammy or two. Unfortunately, it is Whitney, but The Voice is no longer The Voice. That would be, and has always been, Donna Summer (smile). And although Whitney's latest release is more popular than Summer's latest release only goes to show that although a singer can literally sing and not sound as well as they used to, there are lots of other singers out there like Donna Summer who sound far better than some popular voices that sound only so so.
December 6, 2009 at 5:56PM EST Reply to Comment
Anna

Whitney Houston new album is great! to me, it's one of the best albums of 2009. Whitney deserves Grammy,no doubt. Shame on Grammys.
December 6, 2009 at 7:33PM EST Reply to Comment
toya

Failing to give Whitney Houston a grammy nod is unconsciounable imo. I have the album and truthfully, it is rare that i find an album that i can listen to from track 1 to 11 without skipping.

Her album speaks to me on so many levels and really is her most personally. Well, bleep the grammys because the album is the best selling 2009 r&b album this year and it's sold over 2mil copies ww more than any other r&b nominee except beyonce's whose album has been out longer.

Whitney, keep doing your thing. keep God in your life, and know that u are loved and that the Grammys doesn't define you.
December 6, 2009 at 7:41PM EST Reply to Comment
AS

She definitely deserved a few Grammy nods for the biggest comeback of this year and one of the best albums in her career and definitely in this year.
December 6, 2009 at 7:49PM EST Reply to Comment
pirate

Whitney is the best of 2009 I think. Shame on grammy voters.
December 6, 2009 at 8:03PM EST Reply to Comment
JAMIE

Whitney deserved atleast 3-4 nominations, and possibly a win- RnB vocal performance for the song 'I look to you'. Its a real, real shame that they have publicly snubbed her. I won't be watching the grammies.
December 6, 2009 at 8:03PM EST Reply to Comment
Nickii

I was absolutely shocked that they did not nominate her. I mean are they deaf of what. Her album is phenomenal, and she made a huge comeback. I think they need to tell the public why they did not nominate her because i don't get it. When i think that they are some people who were over nominated, and others who did not deserve to be nominated at all, i understand why the music industry is where it is now. This is not only about Whitney, they are other people who were over looked too, like Chrisette M. she had one of the best album this year.
December 6, 2009 at 8:48PM EST Reply to Comment
allan

i am so upset the great whitney houston didnt get nominated and aq washed out liza minnelli who cant even sing little less speak get nominated for best traditional pop album
December 7, 2009 at 1:59AM EST Reply to Comment
Clere

She deserved 4~5 nominations.
And possibly a win 2 category.

December 7, 2009 at 3:01AM EST Reply to Comment
Jason

I am surprised at the tone of your article concerning Whitney Houston. It's almost as if you think it is a good thing that they didn't nominate Whitney. It is not. While half of the nominees and their material will be forgotten, Houston will still be around. The nominees, though some deserving, mostly reflect where music is nowadays: in the trash. If the Grammies were looking for a time marker then they got it right.
December 10, 2009 at 4:47AM EST Reply to Comment
Jeremy

Houston deserved quite a few nominations and I am sure the Grammy people are embarrassed. It was probably a case of them thinking she had it in the bag and now realizing their mistake. What an embarrassment for the music community. Especially just days after She gave that great American Music Awards performance and showed up just about everybody on that stage. They will make sure she gets recognized next year. Hopefully she will stay above it and still show up and perform. A standing ovation is waiting for her if she walks out on that Grammy stage. Guaranteed.
December 10, 2009 at 4:53AM EST Reply to Comment
Craig Stanton

The Grammys are supposed to be for recording excellence. Based on that, Whitney Houston and her legion of fans are living in the past if they think she deserved a Grammy nomination this year.
If the Grammys were given out for superstars who put the crack pipe down long enough to look beautiful on TV yet still can't sing three words without gasping for air, then yes, Whitney would have scored a truckload of nominations.
December 17, 2009 at 11:51PM EST Reply to Comment
Tamiko Carter

It is utterly ridicoulous the the Great, Original Diva Whitney Huston was snubbed at the Grammy's. Americal loves a come back, no matter how many times you come back.
December 28, 2009 at 12:52PM EST Reply to Comment

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Melinda Newman is the former West Coast Bureau Chief for Billboard Magazine with more than 15 years of experience in the music industry. She covers music and entertainment for the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, Associated Press, MSN, AOL and other outlets. Recent interviews include Taylor Swift, Pink, Brad Paisley, Foo Fighters, Jonas Bros. and Snow Patrol.

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Ladies rule Grammy nominations despite Whitney Houston snub

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Lisa Whitney was robbed. Her consolation prize is the fact that the album is already Platinum. :) Screw the Grammys.

Damion Um, Taylor Swift has proven to be an artist to be reckoned with, so she deserves every nomination. Even more deserving is the nominations for uber-talented Lady Gaga who SHOULD win album of the year for her absolutely brilliant "Fame" album.

Mario I wont be watching the Grammys this year, not giving Whitney Houston a nomination for Million Dollar Bill is inexcusable and most of the so called music that is nominated is horrible. Screw the Grammys.

Damion Um, why would Houston get nominated? Her album is terrible! One boring song after another. She shouldn't be nominated just for who she is, she should be nominated when she decides to release material that isn't crap.

Dinesh You seem hell bent on agreeing with the Whitney snub. commenting on each post that disagreed with the snub. Who are you? Damage controller fr the Grammies or Mariah Carey in disguise?

Giorgio I think your comments about Mrs. Houston are crap. Her album isn't bad. It is easy to be a jerk and an a**hole when you definitely have not even great skills as a writer. Keep your negativity to yourself.

Joe Funtime The person 'Damion' who comments on here is a total loser. Get a life, dude! Go get a job! You're ugly and even your mom hates you.

Tiff It's as simple as realizing that these award shows are no longer about talent as it is popularity voting !

Anna Whitney Houston new album is great! to me, it's one of the best albums of 2009. Whitney deserves Grammy,no doubt. Shame on Grammys.

AS She definitely deserved a few Grammy nods for the biggest comeback of this year and one of the best albums in her career and definitely in this year.

pirate Whitney is the best of 2009 I think. Shame on grammy voters.

JAMIE Whitney deserved atleast 3-4 nominations, and possibly a win- RnB vocal performance for the song 'I look to you'. Its a real, real shame that they have publicly snubbed her. I won't be watching the grammies.

allan i am so upset the great whitney houston didnt get nominated and aq washed out liza minnelli who cant even sing little less speak get nominated for best traditional pop album

Clere She deserved 4~5 nominations. And possibly a win 2 category.

Tamiko Carter It is utterly ridicoulous the the Great, Original Diva Whitney Huston was snubbed at the Grammy's. Americal loves a come back, no matter how many times you come back.

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Lisa

Whitney was robbed. Her consolation prize is the fact that the album is already Platinum. :) Screw the Grammys.

Mario

I wont be watching the Grammys this year, not giving Whitney Houston a nomination for Million Dollar Bill is inexcusable and most of the so called music that is nominated is horrible. Screw the Grammys.

Damion

Um, why would Houston get nominated? Her album is terrible! One boring song after another. She shouldn't be nominated just for who she is, she should be nominated when she decides to release material that isn't crap.

Joe Funtime

The person 'Damion' who comments on here is a total loser. Get a life, dude! Go get a job! You're ugly and even your mom hates you.

Tiff

It's as simple as realizing that these award shows are no longer about talent as it is popularity voting !

Anna

Whitney Houston new album is great! to me, it's one of the best albums of 2009. Whitney deserves Grammy,no doubt. Shame on Grammys.

AS

She definitely deserved a few Grammy nods for the biggest comeback of this year and one of the best albums in her career and definitely in this year.

pirate

Whitney is the best of 2009 I think. Shame on grammy voters.

JAMIE

Whitney deserved atleast 3-4 nominations, and possibly a win- RnB vocal performance for the song 'I look to you'. Its a real, real shame that they have publicly snubbed her. I won't be watching the grammies.

allan

i am so upset the great whitney houston didnt get nominated and aq washed out liza minnelli who cant even sing little less speak get nominated for best traditional pop album

Clere

She deserved 4~5 nominations.
And possibly a win 2 category.

Tamiko Carter

It is utterly ridicoulous the the Great, Original Diva Whitney Huston was snubbed at the Grammy's. Americal loves a come back, no matter how many times you come back.