This year’s 64th annual Grammy Awards are being held in Las Vegas today at the MGM Grand. The ceremony will be hosted by South African comedian Trevor Noah with performances by Lady Gaga, Nas, Silk Sonic, Billie Eilish, H.E.R., John Legend, Justin Beiber, Carrie Underwood, Lil Nas X, J Balvin, BTS, Jack Harlow.
“We haven’t made a conscious decision that we don’t want anybody over 45 on the show,” said Harvey Mason Jr., chairman of the board of trustees of the Recording Academy.
He was asked by the Los Angeles Times to elaborate on the decision to bar a performance by 44-year-old Kanye West —Mason said, “I don’t want to comment on who we don’t invite to the show. I think it’s in poor taste to talk about it because there’s a lot of different reasons artists are able to perform or not perform.”
Drake asked this year that his album “Certified Lover Boy” be withdrawn from awards consideration, presumably as a form of protest.
Does Mason worry that not having Ye is a lost ratings opportunity?
Although a performance won’t happen by Kanye who has five Grammy nominations (including album of the year for his “Donda”), Mason said he is “definitely, definitely invited” to attend the show.
This year’s Oscars ratings were up more than 50% from 2021’s lowest-ever figures and with no Kanye West in the building, who is an easy draw for attention and a move to Las Vegas, they are in for a challenge.
Some TV content makers have expressed concern about tonight’s viewership.
“I just hope people know about the show,” said Winston, a veteran of British TV best known to Americans for turning James Corden’s “Carpool Karaoke” into a viral sensation.
Executive producer Raj Kapoor, who’s serving as Grammy show-runner, and co-executive producer Jeannae Rouzan-Clay said, “People always think the Grammys is at the end of January, so my concern is that they know it’s this weekend”
CBS has been sure to place reminders during TV spots during the NCAA basketball tournament.
All eyes will be on the Pre-show awards for Best Grammy Album where 10 by Spice, Live N Livin by Sean Paul
Pajoma by Etana Royal by Jesse Royal Positive Vibration by Gramps Morgan and Beauty in the Silence – Soja are up for the title.
Shenseea has high hopes for her contribution to Kanye West’s Donda which is up for Album Of The Year. Buju Banton is also on that album and if the album should win both artists will get a trophy.
Jamaican-born artist BEAM is nominated twice for Album Of The Year.
See full list of nominees here
