Whitney Houston
It’s hours before the Grammy Awards ceremony and the biggest music news isn’t the Grammys at all. Superstar Whitney Houston died just one day ago. The massively influential and popular singer was 48. Jennifer Hudson is set to perform a medley of Houston’s hits. Expect a very public, raw memorial for the singer as it should be an emotional night for many of the ceremony’s guests.
The E Street Band
The Big Man, Bruce Springsteen’s long time saxophonist Clarence Clemons, passed away last summer. Many music fans, especially Springsteen die-hards, can’t imagine an E Street Band performance without the iconic saxophone player. Springsteen and his E Street Band are reportedly set to open the night’s ceremony and Springsteen will no doubt honor his fallen sideman.
Adele Returns
Easily the biggest act (and voice) of 2011, Adele was nearly robbed of her momentum after having to undergo throat surgery. Fortunately for her, it didn’t affect her album sales or radio airplay. The British singer is set to take the stage for a giant ‘welcome back’–probably to a huge ovation.
Beach Boys
The remaining founding members of the Beach Boys–Brian Wilson, Mike Love, and Al Jardine–will reunite onstage for the first time in over 20 years. The legendary voices are gearing up for a United States tour. No word yet whether Uncle Jesse will be joining the group on. Stay tuned.
The Music
The (some would say) often stale awards ceremony is taking a refreshing turn this year as it is focusing on the one thing that actually matters: the music. Not the meaningless awards or the infinite back slapping that usually goes on (though there will still be some of that, to be sure) but the actual music. A reported 18 musical numbers including over 30 acts dwarfs productions of the past, putting the emphasis on the actual music and not the statues. Thank goodness.
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