Grammy countdown: The best new artist front-runners (Part 1)

Always one of the more controversial categories, best new artist remains, perhaps, the most difficult Grammy field to get just right. The vaguely defined category is open to interpretation.

Reads the Grammy rules: "A new artist is defined as any performing artist who releases, during the eligibility year, the recording that first establishes the public identity of that artist as a performer." The "recording" in question doesn't have to be a full album, either. Witness alterna-rockers MGMT, which are on the ballot for the upcoming Grammy Awards, but released their "Oracular Spectacular" during last year's eligibility period.

It's also the field, perhaps, most easy to criticize. For the 2009 awards, the Jonas Brothers managed to nab a best new artist nod, but the young Disney rockers had scored high-charting albums in prior eligibility periods. On the flip side, however, it's one of the few Grammy categories where there are bound to be genuine surprises. R&B newcomer Jazmine Sullivan was an artist who rode some late-year success straight to a nomination for the 2009 awards. 

Looking at the ballots for the 2010 Grammys, nominations for which will be announced next Wednesday, here's a look at the front-runners for best new artist. Pop & Hiss encourages comments, and please note this is only Part 1 of the best new artist run-down. Come back later this holiday week for Part 2.

2010 Grammy Hall of Fame recordings announced

The newest additions to the roster of Grammy Hall of Fame recordings remind music fans that “a kiss is still a kiss,” “I wish they all could be California girls” and to “Shake it up, baby!”

Among the 25 recordings being inducted for 2010 are Dooley Wilson’s 1944 version of “As Time Goes By” from “Casablanca,” the Beach Boys’ “California Girls” from 1965 and the Isley Brothers’ 1962 party hit “Twist and Shout.”

The pop, rock, jazz, R&B, gospel, reggae and comedy selections also include Janis Joplin’s 1971 album “Pearl,” Duke Ellington’s 1940 single “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore (Never No Lament),” Bob Marley & the Wailers’ 1973 album “Catch a Fire,” George Carlin’s  1972 album “Class Clown,” Mahalia Jackson’s 1958 single “His Eye is on the Sparrow” and Jose Feliciano’s 1970 Christmas classic “Feliz Navidad.”

Recordings must be at least 25 years old to be eligible. The full list is available at the Recording Academy’s Grammy Hall of Fame website.

-- Randy Lewis

Jay Leno & Lady Gaga: Someone give the host a copy of the Grammy rulebook

This will be the final post in which Pop & Hiss mentions Lady Gaga not being in the running for a best new artist Grammy nod. Lady Gaga went on "The Jay Leno Show" on Monday night, with the host proclaiming in an interview with the artist that she is "kinda getting screwed here," as Recording Academy rules stipulate that an artist who has been previously nominated for a Grammy cannot be considered a best new artist.

As noted Monday, Lady Gaga will not be in the running for a best new artist award at the 2010 ceremony, despite being the year's most obvious breakout star. Yet let's be clear -- nobody is getting screwed here. If anything, the Recording Academy is getting unfairly beaten up over this complete non-issue.

Sorry Lady Gaga, no Grammy changes to best new artist category -- for now

 

One of the breakout artists of 2009, fashion-conscious pop-star Lady Gaga showed off her ability to break glass on last night's "American Music Awards." But there are limits to her power.

Speculation that the Recording Academy would consider changing its eligibility rules for the best new artist category was shot down this morning by an official spokeswoman for the group. Ballots already have been returned for the 2010 gala, nominees for which will be announced Dec. 2, and there are no further rule changes on tap until after the Jan. 31 ceremony.

"First-round ballots were due back in early/mid-October, so it would be extremely challenging to change the rules now with nominations being announced next week," said the Recording Academy spokeswoman. "Any changes to be made will be considered after this year's show and therefore would not affect the current rule, which does disqualify her."

Lady Gaga was nominated at the 2009 awards for her single "Just Dance," which was submitted in the best dance recording field. The fine print says an artist who has previously received a nomination at a prior ceremony cannot be in the running for best new artist at future Grammys -- unless, of course, the artist was a "non-featured" performer on the previously nominated track, such as a minor guest on a song.

Sunday night, Entertainment Weekly's Music Mix blog wrote that Recording Academy chief Neil Portnow was considering changes to the best new artist category that would allow Lady Gaga to be nominated. Said the EW post: "We asked Portnow if the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences might consider a rule change to let the year’s biggest breakout act compete for the prestigious prize. 'Yes,' Portnow said. 'The awards and nominations committee meets to review the rules every year. We change the rules frequently. We recognize that situation is not perfect, and we are looking at ways to figure it out.' "

Maxwell gets post-Grammy nomination concert

R&B singer Maxwell will perform a concert at downtown's Club Nokia on Dec. 2 after the venue plays host to the unveiling of the nominations for the 52nd annual Grammy Awards. The Maxwell appearance will be open to the public, and proceeds will benefit the next-door Grammy Museum, which will celebrate its first anniversary Dec. 6.

Maxwell will earlier appear on the live CBS broadcast to announce the 2010 Grammy slate, "The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! -- Countdown to Music’s Biggest Night.” The latter, which will be tape-delayed for SoCal viewers but air live on the East Coast at 9 p.m., will also feature live performances from Nick Jonas and the Administration, the Black Eyed Peas and Sugarland.

In a switch from last year, however, when the contenders were announced at the larger Nokia Theatre, the Grammy nomination prime-time special will not be open to the public.

Green Day to give '21 Guns' a theatrical makeover

Liked Green Day's "21 Guns" but thought it lacked a certain -- how shall we say? -- pizazz?

Then you are in luck, as Green Day will re-release the cut later this month with the cast of Berkeley Rep's "American Idiot." The musical, based on the 2004 Green Day album of the same name, made its debut in the Bay Area earlier this fall, where Times theater critic Charles McNulty found it more positive than negative, writing, " 'American Idiot' translates Green Day's generational angst into a moody theatrical fantasia. If it doesn't spin an entirely satisfying yarn, its roar is still irresistible."

An official release date wasn't given for the newly recorded single, but it will be made available for purchase at all major digital outlets. Green Day will perform this Sunday on the American Music Awards on ABC, and "American Idiot" just finished its run in Berkeley.

The next stop for the musical? Likely Broadway. 

Grammys embracing Nick Jonas' solo project

Without a hit or even an album, Nick Jonas is getting a prime-time, Grammy-endorsed unveiling for his new band, Nick Jonas and the Administration. Though it won't be nominated for an award at the 2010 edition of the gala, the solo outing from Nick has been added to the Recording Academy's Dec. 2  CBS special, "The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! -- Countdown to Music's Biggest Night," in which the 2010 Grammy noms will be revealed.

The teenager will join previously announced performers the Black Eyed Peas, Maxwell and Sugarland at the taping. The event will be held at downtown's Club Nokia, and will air live (tape-delayed for SoCal viewers) at 9 p.m. EST. Rapper LL Cool J will host the televised press-conference-turned-concert for the second year running.

Nick may be going it alone, but Kevin and Joe won't be completely left out of the taping. The latter two will introduce Nick Jonas and the Administration.

Guess who's getting Grammy nominations?

As the music industry descends upon Nashville today for the Country Music Assn. Awards, the Recording Academy sent a subtle reminder that its Grammy Awards are just around the corner. The first crop of artists performing at the Dec. 2 Grammy nomination prime-time special, the double explanation-pointed "The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown to Music's Biggest Night," have been revealed.

Television regulars the Black Eyed Peas, R&B veteran Maxwell and adult country duo Sugarland will all appear on the CBS special, which will air live for the East Coast at 9 p.m. Traditionally, artists who appear at the unveiling of the Grammy nominations are guaranteed a nod or two, but the Recording Academy broke from such a predictable mold last year.

Calle 13 dominates Latin Grammy Awards

Puerto Rican alt-hip-hop duo Calle 13 swept all of its nominated categories Thursday at the 10th Annual Latin Grammy Awards. The act went five-for-five at the awards, which were held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, and took home trophies for record and album of the year, winning the top prize for its politically charged third offering, "Los De Atrás Vienen Conmigo."

Accepting the record of the year trophy for "No Hay Nadie Como Tú," René Pérez, who raps as Residente, said from the stage, “This award, I have to dedicate to many people." He singled out socially conscious Argentine folk singer Mercedes Sosa, who died in October.

"We love her very much," said Pérez of Sosa, whose "Cantora 1" was named best folk album. "Her music will live forever."

Residente and stepbrother Eduardo José Cabra Martínez, who performs under the name Visitante, led all nominees heading into the Latin Grammys. The duo also took home best urban music album; best short-form music video for “La Perla," featuring Panamanian salsa singer Ruben Blades; and best alternative song for "No Hay Nadie Como Tú," a collaboration with Mexico City rockers Cafe Tacuba.

The night brings their Latin Grammy total to 10; they're also one-time Grammy award winners. The 2010 Grammy Awards will take place at L.A.'s Staples Center on Jan. 31. 

Turkey with Beyonce: R&B star scores Thanksgiving special

 

The holiday season is upon us, and the music industry is bringing out its big guns -- even if they don't have a new studio album to promote. Beyoncé will be the beneficiary of her first-ever Thanksgiving special, set to air Nov. 26 on ABC at 9 p.m.

Thanksgiving concert specials are a network tradition of sorts. Artists such as Madonna, Justin Timberlake and Harry Connick Jr. have had specials on or around Thanksgiving in the past. ABC is definitely getting into the musical spirit this holiday season. It was earlier reported that R&B star Jennifer Hudson will have a December special, "Jennifer Hudson: I'll Be Home for Christmas," on the network. Also in December, Fox will air "Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special."

Beyoncé's ABC program will be the centerpiece of a campaign around the release of a deluxe edition of last year's "I Am ... Sasha Fierce" and a live CD/DVD "I Am ... Yours: An Intimate Performance at Wynn Las Vegas." 

A teaser for the concert special is available online. The special promises plenty of "intimate" and behind-the-scenes footage of the star, and, according to the commercial, includes the requisite longing look out a hotel window. However, you and your relatives probably shouldn't expect a post-Thanksgiving dinner step-by-step how-to of the "Singles Ladies" dance. 

The flurry of Beyoncé activity could have Grammy implications.