Honestly, we didn’t even think we were going to watch anything but the red carpet for the American Music Awards last night, but we got so excited for Gaga and Rihanna that we found ourselves watching almost the whole dang thing.
A few thoughts as random as the AMAs tend to be…
We finally get what Kate Hudson is doing with A Rod. That is one hunk of man. He’s tall, great skin, great shoulders, great smile. Good catch Kate. HOWEVER, you’ve already got him, you can put your clothes back on now. Honestly that tiny piece of silver chain metal didn’t stand a chance at covering Kate’s chest, even though it was vintage Gianni Versace, the “vintage” didn’t make it classy.
Rihanna‘s performance, unfortunately, felt a little watered down. Despite what a lot of critics say, I really like her new record, but I think the criticism might be attacking her self esteem– it felt like she wasn’t sure what song to choose, so she opted for a watered down mash or “Hard” and “Wait Your Turn.” In my opinion she should have just done either a full on slow, eerie “Russian Roulette” or a full blown “Hard.” The shaky combination of the singles left everyone a little on the fence. It’s not all Rihanna’s fault– while she doesn’t have the strongest voice in pop, the sound system left much to be desired last night– most people sounded far away and slightly tinny.
Lady Gaga blew us away with her rendition of “Bad Romance/Speechless.” This was absolutely her best performance we’ve seen to date, maybe it just hit us the hardest for personal reasons. She and her back up dancers had on these really strange “Dark Crystal” esque spongy skeleton bones over nude bodysuits (she shed her helmet during the dance sequence to reveal a wig of wild, white-blond frizzy hair). During intermission, she took her mic stand and busted through glass to get to her piano, which abruptly burst into flames. Her violinists donned gas masks, and she tore into a somber, aching rendition of “Speechless.” The song is apparently a plea to her father to save his life, but it also sounds like a plea to a lover who’s leaving: “I’ll never love again,” she cried, then she took vodka bottles and smashed them against the piano as the violinists tore at their strings. (I’m obsessed, in love with Gaga, she is a true talent– I have just one gripe– please stop associating yourself with that disgusting bottom-feeder Perez Hilton. )
Speaking of tears, we cried when Whitney sang– but not for her songchoice– the single, “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength,” is actually pretty weak. Whitney spoke-sang too much of the song, which didn’t really get off the ground until the end. The dramz–why people lose it when Whitney sings– is really just for her comeback– this was her first televised performance in five years. She once had it all , threw it away for a drug-laden, destructive relationship– then found herself, and her voice, again. So really, we just cried because we were happy for her. But only a few tears– I cried way more when she was talking to Oprah a few months ago about how “she made herself feel small so Bobby could feel bigger.” Why do women do that? Why Whitney, why?
Janet Jackson was good but LONG. I know she’s releasing that 2-disc set of hits but did she seriously have to sing ALL 7696 of them? 8th grade was fine, but I didn’t want to re-live it for 19 minutes. At least it felt that long.
I cannot deal with the Black Eyed Peas. Sorry no can do. Do they really yell “Mazeltov” in the middle of their current hit– which is ACTUALLY CALLED “Boom Boom Pow“? Why must they taunt me with their ridiculousness? Why do they hop around like leather-bound frogs? NOT feeling it. And I can’t even talk about their performance, except I kept wondering how Fergie was doing while she’s still basically in the middle of her stripper scandal with her new husband Josh Duhamel. She smiled a bit too big. Set him free and release a kick ass (SOLO) break up record! I’m sure I’m not the first one to tell her that.
Adam Lambert.No. No. No. He’s not a big enough star to shove his shock antics onto everyone. The thing about shocking performances is that they need to be delivered by someone you already love and trust– those are the people you’re ready to learn something from. Not some up and comer with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. It doesn’t work that way. I’m sorry, you have to earn it first. I said the same thing about Lady Gaga before she proved herself a true artist, writer, and amazing singer. His vocals aren’t there, the song isn’t good enough– he’s not good enough to pull something like this off. Any mild curiosity I once had is gone. Sorry Glambert.
Kelly Clarkson performed one of my favorite break up singles of all time “Already Gone,” and she’s such a pro that she blows it out of the park every time she sings. She gets a standing ovation when she sings the phone book. (Cliched but true!) I absolutely adore her, and recently I even found out that she loves Patty Griffin as much as I do. The point is, I don’t think I could love Kelly Clarkson more, folks.
But did you catch Carrie Underwood looking bored after Kelly’s performance? What is up with her attitude? She was awful at the CMAs when she cut off the praise for Taylor Swift, too. This girl needs an attitude adjustment. We would never be friends in real life, she’s incredibly uptight.
Alicia Keys and Jay Z were phenomenal. I have endless respect for Alicia’s talent. And slowly, I get the whole big deal as far as Jay’s rapping. So effortless and smooth, with the timeless class of Sinatra. Do you remember when they performed “Empire State of Mind” at the VMAs when Lil’ Mama busted up at the end? Highlarious.Anyway, if you haven’t heard Alicia’s solo version of the song, called “Empire State of Mind II,” you must. Here it is. While you check out that song, don’t miss the exceptional single “Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart.”
No one interrupted by jumping on stage last night– the trouble was already onstage. It’s like the janitor left one too many banana peels on his lunch break. Adam Lambert tumbled, as did J Lo. Both were hysterical.
Speaking of J Lo, her performance of “Louboutins” was fine, but with such fresh talent like Gaga and Rihanna, it felt old and tired. She was even doing the “ey, ey” thing that Ri patented, and the beat of the new single felt strikingly a lot like Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.” Also, Beyonce, when are you going to get up and jam on “Empire State of Mind?” We think our heart would stop. B was absent last night and was sorely missed, btw. Did you see the clip of her stage diving during “Halo” in London? Chills.
One final note, STOP GIVING Taylor Swift EVERYTHING. I’m sure the girl is sick of it too. Leave her something to look forward to! Taylor Swifts’ sweeps are making award shows more boring than they already are.
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agreed 100% with your opinions. I have to add, Adam Lambert is nowhere and yes Gaga is a true artist – straight up
x
You didn’t have anything to say about Michael Jackson?
good roundup. i agree with most everything.
indiasworld
Great job! Totally wish the BEP’s would go away already. Where are they bouncing around to? My favorite perform iances were by Jay Z and Alicia and Lady Gaga too. Keep it a coming.
A colleague and I giggled and nodded our way through this post today. More please, Sarah.
Amy– I’m sorry I omitted commentary on Michael Jackson– I will say that was one of the reasons I was so put off by Taylor Swift winning so much– to even beat out MJ? The girl can’t touch such an icon. Silly AMAs.
Lady Ga, Ga was just plain insane
Rihanna’s outfit just look like she just got out of prison.
Whitney’s outfit was cute, but she should have gotten it much larger.
Adam Lambert needs to stop putting his-self out there like he did thats not cute.
Kelly Clarkson; I have not comment
Michael Jackson should have won best artist
Mary J. Blige was dressed real cute
Alicia Keys and Jay Z was the best of all and was dressed real nice
music is changing whether you like or not, whether you see it or not, ever noticed how after the inciddent of C&R Rihanna’s music is more dark and ominous, was it from the experience that made her inspired to do dark music or could it simply be something else like what the music industry want her to do or sing.