Alicia Keys is to host the Grammy Awards ceremony in 2019, as the top American singer-songwriter is set to take over from former host James Corden in front of a star-studded assembly. The 61st edition of the annual musical showpiece includes a staggering 84 categories for which awards will be presented, representing the celebration and recognition of the diversity that the Music industry offers.
Once again, the venue for the showbiz extravaganza will be Los Angeles’ Staples Center, where the outstanding achievers from the past 12 months will assemble on 10th February in eager anticipation of a top night of entertainment and to hopefully walk away with a prize or two.
Keys seems an ideal choice
The choice of Keys – who will celebrate her 38th birthday later this month - in the pivotal hostess role seems to be an ideal fit, given that the classically-trained pianist and “New York” songstress has amassed an impressive 15 Grammy Awards herself over a sparkling career. Her American chart-topping debut album “Songs in A Minor” scooped a remarkable five Grammys in 2002 alone and the tuneful singer has hardly looked back since.
Wide variety of categories
The Grammy Awards cover a wide variety of musical categories, with everything from pop, dance / electronic, rock and R&B music through to musical theatre, classical and even a children’s category honoured by The Recording Academy.
Kendrick Lamar has once again been favoured in the nomination stakes, racking up a healthy eight opportunities for success on the evening, boosted by his involvement on the “Black Panther” film soundtrack. He will no doubt be hoping to add to the 12 Grammys that have previously come his way, as he features in the Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song lists with “King’s Dead”.
Lady Gaga matched by Cardi B
“A Star Is Born” actress Lady Gaga continues to be honoured, with an eye-catching five nominations at this year’s awards ceremony, matching Cardi B’s potential haul. Drake also has a chance of a hugely successful evening, as the Canadian chart-topping rapper is included in the Record of the Year category with “God’s Plan”, in addition to hopes for Song of the Year and Best Rap Song.
As ever, the Record of the Year classification will be hotly contested, with women featuring strongly amongst the nominees to somewhat redress the balance from the previous year’s event, when there was an outcry due to the lack of female representation. Cardi B (“I Like It”) and Gaga (“Shallow”) are joined by folk-rock singer Brandi Carlile, with her track “The Joke”.
British acts feature
The Brits have not been forgotten in the nominations, with Dua Lipa and Jorja Smith battling it out for Best New Artist. Arctic Monkeys hopes for success lie in the Best Rock Performance and Best Alternative Music Album categories, while Seal is included in Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album and Ella-Mai’s “Boo’d Up” features in the Song of the Year and Best R&B Song listings.
