Stranger things have happened: We're actually looking forward to the Grammys

Last night's Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! had at least one high point -- Christina Aguilera belting out "I Love You, Porgy" as part of the night's tribute to vocal greats.

Still, when was the last time you watched the Grammys, like, really watched the Grammys? [Ed. note: Technically, last year.] Sure, it's fun to gawk and judge celebrities on the red carpet with those silly puppet-like fashion pundits. And, yeah, we get a kick out of the live performances and discovering which of the best new artists of the year can actually sing. (See Christina, above.)

But we've always just approached the awards ceremony itself with a bit of ennui. So it surprised us to find this year's nominee list full of artists that we actually kinda love. Here's what we'll be watching for come February:

> Sultry British songstress and Out Hot List alum Adele, who will be up for four Grammys this year. Her single "Chasing Pavements" is nominated for Song of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Record of the Year (along with M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes"). She'll also be competing against the Jonas Brothers for Best New Artist.
> Musical pioneer Radiohead's In Rainbows is up for Album of the Year and Best Alternative Music Album (along with Beck's Modern Guilt), while their single "House of Cards" got nods for Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals, Best Rock Song, and Best Short Form Music Video.
> Katy(!) Perry(!) is nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for, you guessed it, "I Kissed A Girl." Though we're still rooting for her, we secretly fear what turmoil and unimaginable terror will be wrought upon the gay rights movement if she wins. (Just kidding!)
> The Best Dance Recording category is tearing us up inside. It's not because we don't like any of the nominees. It's because we love each and every one: Daft Punk, Hot Chip, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Rihanna, and Out 100 Breakout Star of the Year Sam Sparro! Of course, we’re biased toward Out 100 alums, but we wouldn't mind seeing any of these artists win.
> Kylie Minogue and Robyn will face off in the category of Best Electronic/Dance Album, while Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and Jennifer Hudson will battle it out for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

-- MIKE BERLIN

Previously > Mayer confounds us > The Grammys didn't suck

Comments

[Ryan]

Ummmm, first of all the Grammys last year were uh-mah-zing! "Proud Mary," anyone? Tell me you didn't freak out when Beyonce actually didn't upstage Ms. Tina?

Anywho, here's hoping the Jonas Brothers don't win a damned thing, and the award goes to talent that wasn't mass-produced by the Disney Corporation in a perfect little niche box.

And I gotta say, while I love me some Kylie, the award MUST go to Robyn for her big U.S. comeback this year! Anyone who needs proof needs to go download "Konichiwa, B*tches" and have themselves a pants-off dance-off.

And as for Radiohead, I enjoyed "In Rainbows" just fine but I actually have been enjoying their Greatest Hits album (also released this year) a whole heck of a lot more; songs like "Talk Show Host," "Anyone Can Play Guitar," and "Knives Out" just carry a lot of memories for this 90s child. I give this one to Beck for being his good ol' weird self once again but also recording an album that's
"listenable" all the way through for once.