From the beginning of August when it was released, Taylor Swift’s “Lover” album looked like it would be Album of the Year at the Grammys. The best selling album of the year, “Lover” spawned hit singles like crazy and lots of good press. It was also very well reviewed.
But then the nominations came, and Swift was swiftly dispatched. She received only Pop Vocal and Song of the Year nominations. And Best Pop Vocal Album. But the big enchilada– Album of the Year– she was denied.
It didn’t seem like Swift would perform on the Grammys, especially since three of those awards are handed out during an untelevised afternoon session.
This wasn’t the way things were supposed to go. Swift had written a song for the movie musical, “Cats” and there was every expectation she’d get an Oscar nomination. That way she could appear on the Academy Awards two weeks after not being on the Grammys, and the problem of PR and saving face would be solved. But “Cats” bombed, the song disappeared, and so did that plan.
So now we wait to find out if she’ll do the Grammys after all. As it turns out, Swift’s Netflix documentary, “Miss Americana,” starts playing on January 30th, a week after its debut at the Sundance Film Festival. The publicity from a Grammy performance would be swell. And who’s to say she won’t win some or all of her categories at Music’s Biggest Night? “Lover” is definitely the Best Song of the Year.
But the jury’s out so far. This is also Grammy producer Ken Ehrlich’s final year running the show, so maybe Swift will do it for him.
All in all, Swift hasn’t had an easy time this past year. Adding to all this is her whole campaign to get her records back from Justin Bieber’s manager, Scooter Braun. That struggle turned ugly, and pitted her against the music establishment. Did that situation lead to the mess at the Grammys? It all remains to be seen…or heard…
