It’s that time of year again, music fans. The 2004 Grammy Awards are taking place this Sunday, and are airing locally at 8 p.m. on CBS. While over one hundred awards are given out by the Recording Academy, only about twenty of those presentations are actually seen in the telecast.
Popular artists leading the nominations this year include Justin Timberlake, Beyonce Knowles, Evanescence, and rapper 50 Cent with 5 nods each. The White Stripes, Outkast and Eminem follow closely behind, each being nominated in four categories. Expect each of these artists to walk away with at least one award Sunday night.
This could be the year for N’Sync star-turned-solo, Justin Timberlake, who could easily take all five awards he is nominated for including Record and Album of the Year. However, if Timberlake were to win out he would have to beat out Destiny’s Child’s Beyonce and rap-duo Outkast for the honors.
Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love” was one of the most popular songs of this past summer, and music fans would be “crazy” to think Beyonce won’t walk away with less than three awards. She is in good standing to be awarded Grammy’s for Best R & B song, Best R & B vocal performance, and Best R & B vocal performance in a duet or group.
However, her chance for a sweep is minimal, as she faces stiff competition from the critically acclaimed and the extremely successful Outkast. Their latest double album, “The Speakerboxx/The Love Below” has sold over seven million copies since its release last September. Outkast’s Big Boi and Andre will perform at this year’s show, and history may repeat itself, by taking cues from past awards shows, where an artist will exit the stage from their performance only to return to the award podium later on to win one of the next awards. Bottom line here is Outkast will win at least three awards.
Evanescence, nominated for five awards, is different than the average hard rock band in that they feature a female lead singer and use of grand piano. Viewers can count on Evanescence being a strong contender for the Best New Artist award.
The White Stripes will have better luck on Grammy night than Evanescence. Anticipate the band to win Best Rock Song, Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rock Performance. Like Outkast, The White Stripes are also performing at the awards, and will most likely win something. However, the group is up against Radiohead, Audioslave and the Foo Fighters, all of whom are talented rock bands with many successful years behind them. A White Stripes sweep could be spoiled by one of these groups.
In terms of rap, Eminem, powered by the film “8 Mile’s” hit theme song “Lose Yourself,” will pose tough competition for the other artists. The rapper may take home the award for Song from a Film and Best Male Rap Solo Performance. 50 Cent will not win any solo awards this year, but he and pint-sized rapper Lil’ Kim may win Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group for their radio-worthy collaboration “Magic Stick.”
Popularity doesn’t always translate in success at this annual award show. For example in 2000, Britney Spears was considered the fan favorite but lost out to Christina Aguilera in every category where they were both nominated. However, that will not be the case this year.
For more information on Sunday’s show and to find out more about the nominated artists, check out the Grammy Web site at www.grammys.com.
