The Grammy Awards are stocking up on mainstream stars to soft the blow of a night of rappers.
When the Grammy nominations were announced in November, I told you producer Ken Ehrlich and CBS’s Jack Sussman would be apoplectic — four of the five Album of the Year nods went to rappers and hip hoppers. The fifth spot went to Lorde, who has now attracted her own controversy by boycotting Israel.
So what to do? Stock the show with performers who CBS viewers will like: Lady Gaga, Pink, country stars Little Big Town, and a Broadway tribute from Patti Lupone and new star Ben Platt.
They have also selected Childish Gambino aka Donald Glover, star of FX’s much awarded “Atlanta.” Gambino’s album is one of the nominees.
Bruno Mars should be next, as his album is also nominated. He’ll be a key player for the Grammys because the multi-talented performer cuts across most demographics. Taylor Swift seems likely, too. But her pal, Ed Sheeran, isn’t expected as he received no main nominations. Sheeran can take solace in having the best selling single and album of the year, however.
More Grammy performers will be announced shortly, so look for more country and mainstream pop acts to ameliorate Jay Z, Kendrick Lamar, “Despacito,” and other performers– like Khalid– who should be and must be on the show.
