The 2011 Grammy Nominations have been announced. Last night, CBS telecast the nomination show, which covers the top Grammy categories. No major surprises. Adele, Bruno Mars and Kanye West are multiple nominees, as well as Lupe Fiasco, Ledisi, and indie artist Bon Iver is also a multiple nominee, including snagging a nod for Best New Artist. (I need to read up on the academy’s definition of “new”.) See the full list of nominees.
Earlier this year, the Recording Academy announced that it has cut more than 30 categories from the ceremony, in a move to make the Grammy race more “competitive”. I’m not sure about that because the categories seem broad, watered down, and extremely mainstream. (i.e., conducive for commercial outlets). With the elimination of such categories as Latin Jazz, Urban/Alternative, Contemporary Blues and Contemporary Folk, I can’t help but think that the Grammy Awards is a bit less interesting. Compare the a side by side list of last year’s Grammy categories and the current categories.
The 54th Grammy Awards telecast will be held February 12, 2012.