Daijams' Full Grammys 2012 Recap

We interrupt your regularly scheduled Daijams' Full Concert Tuesday to bring you...an even longer concert, interspersed with awards to some of America's (er, the music industry's) favorite artists! Let's recap the most-watched Grammy Awards since Michael Jackson's eight-category sweep in 1984.

In the 54th annual showcase of America's taste in music, there was much to be joyful about. As I mentioned yesterday, and as you've no doubt seen all over the Internets, the soul-wrenching British contralto Adele made a clean sweep, winning every category in which she was nominated for a total of six golden, wood-mounted gramophone statuettes, tying Beyoncé's record for the most wins by a female performer in one year. I just adore her photo shoot backstage, and look at how it compares to 2009's two (measly) wins:

    

GIRL YOU LOOK STUNNING! Left 2009; right 2012.

My roommates and I sat down to watch the Grammys about an hour and a half late on Sunday night, but thanks to the magic of DVR, it meant we got to skip previews and commercials and get right to the good stuff. We cuddled up and settled in for a dose of Americana. We weren't waiting long, as 62-year-old vintage American rocker Bruce Springsteen opened the evening with a performance of "We Take Care of Our Own." I'll be honest, most of Springsteen's songs sound much the same to me, and I feared a descent into boredom with yet another generic display of patriotism. But damn, who doesn't love the Boss? He's such a great musician, not to mention the fact that the guy is still standing on speakers, windmilling his guitar like a rock star. The 21-time Grammy winner deserved the room's standing ovation.

After host LL Cool J presented a somber Whitney Houston tribute, the Grammys continued with a healthy dose of exuberance, which was a relief -- we would honor both Whitney and the winners by celebrating the joy that music brings to our lives. "This night is bigger than any one of us," Mr. Cool J reminded us. "This night is about something truly universal and healing. This night is about music."  Kind of cheesy, but totally on point, and it was the host's finest moment of the night.

We were off to the races with Bruno Mars' performance of "Runaway Baby" off 2010's Doo-Wops and Hooligans. The 26-year-old rocked the house with his soulful voice, gold Dolce & Gabbana jacket and matching bow tie, and tight, low-impact choreography. My roommates and I agreed he was definitely singing live, as had the Boss, making the evening 2/2 thus far. Mars even got playful: "Tonight we celebrate music! Tonight we celebrate the beautiful Whitney Houston! So get off your rich asses and have some fun!" The rest, you might say, was James Brown.

Haley Reinhart: "What Is & What Should Never Be"

I have not been watching American Idol. The last time I watched American Idol religiously, a cute but powerful thing named Kelly Clarkson won. I struggled through season two, never really caring too much about anyone in particular; tried out for season seven (but didn't meet Randy or Simon or Paula, what a tease); and haven't thought much of it since.

I have a lot of respect for the talent that has come out of American Idol. Carrie Underwood has already been celebrated on this blog, and Jennifer Hudson's got some serious skills. But the show itself feels like a factory, churning out trendy, poppy artists that seem to grip the 12-to-22-year-old market for a few months and then drop off the face of the earth. (Hi, Clay!) That's fine, because at least they can sing a bit, so even if they inevitably become one-hit wonders, it's all better than...people who can't sing who make music anyway.

So last night we had a wonderful roomie dinner -- both of them are moving out on me this summer SADFACE -- and we turned on Idol because Brittan watches it. Stuffed full of grilled summer splendor, we settled in to pass judgment on the final three contestants of season ten. Little Scotty McCreery crooned a guttural country song, and he did it well because that's what he does. Lauren Alaina sang...I don't remember what Lauren Alaina sang, but that go-go-inspired top with the white cowboy boots was at once distressing and fearless. She did fine, but her voice doesn't really push to the limit. It's too safe.

Then Haley Reinhart slithered onto the stage, lingering over the first few notes of Led Zeppelin's "What Is & What Should Never Be." Oh. My. God. This girl has a voice I've never heard before. There are foreshadows of it in Janis Joplin and Stevie Nicks and Alanis Morissette and even Adele. She's what I imagine when I use the words "raw talent." Her voice is throaty and gritty and effortless and perfectly pitched and absolutely beautiful.

And then, after FALLING ON STAGE (talk about embarrassing), she rips out with this scat singing while her father shreds the guitar on stage next to her. That had to be one of the best moments of her life. This performance is incredible, and (spoiler) I'm truly in shock that she got voted off. Scotty and Lauren, sorry kids, but you are not going to have the career of Ms. Reinhart.

I hope she gets a good agent and becomes the first Idol contestant since Kelly whose debut album I've bought. Enjoy.