The musical equivalent of the Academy Awards in terms of prestige and press attention, the 59th Annual Grammy Awards will be held in fabled sports arena the Los Angeles Staples Center on February 12th, hosted by James Corden for the first time in the Englishman’s career.
2016 was a painful years for music lovers. We lost so many legends that it would take more Sticky Fingers than The Rolling Stones possess to count them all, including David Bowie, Prince, George Michael, Leonard Cohen and Glenn Frey. While the In Memoriam segment of the 2017 Grammy Awards threatens to run longer than the distribution of awards for achievement, however, the recognition of the year’s musical excellence should prove the perfect balm to twelve months of tragedy.
A total of 84 awards will be distributed to the crème de la crème of the music industry at 2017’s Grammys. Among the most prestigious titles is Record of the Year (handed to the single or album that displays the finest example of artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to sales or chart position), alongside Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Best New Artist. Dig deeper however, and you will find all kinds of honours; artists representing Rock, Metal, Rap, Pop, Country, R&B, Jazz, Gospel, Bluegrass and numerous World Music territories will battle it out for an esteemed Gramophone-shaped trophy. Whatever your musical tastes, you’ll find something to enjoy.
U2, Kanye West and Jay-Z are among the most-awarded active musicians likely to be in attendance, and they’ll be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Adele, Drake, Beyoncé and Justin Bieber, all of whom have been nominated for multiple top awards. Like the Academy Awards, the Grammys are televised worldwide. Unlike the Oscars, however, the general public will not be able to gain access to the Grammys as an extra. Entry to this particular ceremony is far trickier, but still possible.
The recipients of Grammy Awards are voted and decided upon by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and membership of NARAS is the only official way to snag an invite. This is achieved by completing and releasing work within the record industry that is recognised by NARAS, or being nominated by two existing members and having your application approved by the rest of the committee. One shortcut is to purchase a ticket from an online source. They may not all be entirely trustworthy, but you should find a reputable retailer willing to help you out if you do your research.
Should you manage to obtain entry by any means, you are sure to enjoy the night of your life. Many of the reputable nominees (including the aforementioned Beyoncé and Adele) will be performing live, and all attendees are welcome to mingle and chat with the great and the good of the music industry throughout the festivities. Whether you are a musician yourself or an enthusiast that listens from afar, a trip to the Grammy Awards is something that should scoot to the top of your Bucket List.
