Do people really believe in the credibility of the Grammys anymore?
The annual Grammy Awards, airing tonight at 7 on KCNC-Channel 4, sit somewhere beneath the Oscars but above the People’s Choice Awards in terms of watchability. They call it “music’s biggest night,” but is that necessarily true? It’s easy to think that people would rather watch Faith Hill and Jennifer Hudson sing to a tape than watch the Grammys in all their elongated, often awkward glory.
That said, the Grammy is one of the most prestigious music awards in the world. And you can bet tonight’s telecast will be all the rage at the office tomorrow morning, whether its people debating the quality of the winners or questioning M.I.A.’s sure-to-be-bright outfit.
Here are the six primary Grammy categories with our guesses on who will win — and our thoughts on who deserves to win.
Record of the Year
Who will win: “Bleeding Love,” Leona Lewis. It was one of the biggest songs of the year, and it features some tight production from Colorado’s own Ryan Tedder (of OneRepublic).
Who should win: “Paper Planes,” M.I.A. This genius, pop-oriented hip-hop track from the Sri Lankan-born MC was one of the biggest success stories of the year — and M.I.A. and her producer, Diplo, deserve every bit of the recognition.
The other nominees: “Chasing Pavements,” Adele; “Viva La Vida,” Coldplay; “Please Read the Letter,” Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.
Album of the Year
Who will win: “Viva La Vida,” Coldplay. This U.K. band is growing into its own, and this was a solid release that was truly explosive when played live.
Who should win: “Raising Sand,” Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. As cool as it would be to see Radiohead win this award for ingenuity alone, “Raising Sand” is the better record — a carefully constructed masterwork from the artists and their producer, T Bone Burnett.
The other nominees: “Tha Carter III,” Lil Wayne; “Year of the Gentleman,” Ne-Yo; “In Rainbows,” Radiohead.
Song of the Year
Who will win: “I’m Yours,” Jason Mraz. This laid-back, Jack Johnson-esque track is infectious, but it’s only a small part of Mraz’s success. This charmer is a star, and he’s the only songwriter credited on this song.
Who should win: “American Boy,” Estelle featuring Kanye West. The jumpy production complements the flowing melody and Estelle’s bulbous vocals. And West’s rhymes don’t hurt.
The other nominees: “Chasing Pavements,” Adele; “Love Song,” Sara Bareilles; “Viva La Vida,” Coldplay.
Best New Artist
Who will win: Jonas Brothers. These ubiquitous siblings (and buddies of Hannah Montana) are everywhere.
Who should win: Duffy. She lacks the inexplicable charm of Amy Winehouse, but this year’s British soul kitten still has some pipes and attitude of her very own.
The other nominees: Adele; Lady Antebellum; Jazmine Sullivan.
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
Who will win: “So What,” Pink. This defiant rock star has fun, and the kids (and voters) love her. But this song is far from her best.
Who should win: “I Kissed a Girl,” Katy Perry. This pop confection is ridiculous and fun, and Perry’s vocals overcome the autotuning to create one of the most defining tracks of 2008.
The other nominees: “Chasing Pavements,” Adele; “Love Song,” Sara Bareilles; “Mercy,” Duffy; “Bleeding Love,” Leona Lewis.
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
Who will win: “Say,” John Mayer. This massive radio hit displays the peculiar juxtaposition of Mayer. He’s the coolest guy in interviews: lewd, interesting and funny. And then there’s his music: bland, tepid and undeniably popular.
Who should win: “That Was Me,” Paul McCartney. This driving blues rager is a rare stream-of-conscious ramble from McCartney, who still has a few great songs left in him.
The other nominees: “All Summer Long,” Kid Rock; “I’m Yours,” Jason Mraz; “Closer,” Ne-Yo; “Wichita Lineman,” James Taylor.
For the complete list of nominations, see http://grammy _show/list.aspx.
Ricardo Baca: 303-954-1394 or rbaca@denverpost.com
