Why Isn’t Rock and Metal Music Acknowledged the Same Way as Other Genres at the Grammys?
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As the 2020 Grammy awards took place this past Sunday, viewers were once again not shown the amazing talents of rock, alternative, and metal music genres. So we ask the question, why doesn’t the Grammys acknowledge rock and metal music the same way as other genres?
The Grammys are known to showcase the most talented artists and their work as a collective, but some genres seem to be more “important” than others. Yes, it was entertaining to see country and rap music come together with Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus performing “Old Town Road”, but what will it take to showcase the heavier music?
Twenty One Pilots made a statement in 2017 when they accepted the award for ‘Best Pop Duo’ at the Grammys, while going on stage without any pants. That’s right; Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun took the stage in their briefs and the top half of their suits. Although they did not additionally win the award for any rock or alternative category, they were at least nominated for ‘Best Rock Performance’ for their song “Heathens,” as well as ‘Best Rock Album’ for Stressed Out.
Even though this dynamic duo brought some attention to the rock category, it still was not televised this year. Hayley Williams also made her disappointment known about one of the award winners, Cage the Elephant, not being recognized. “also- heard Cage won Best Rock Album? CONGRATS @CagetheElephant!! Lastly- can we get even one Rock category televised next year, @RecordingAcad? Rock and Alternative music are vital(!) and relevant(!!!) and the youths need to see it on the TV,” she tweeted.
Of course, all the Grammy nominees and winners are deserving, but it is unfair that not all of these artists are recognized in the same fashion. Imagine winning one of the most prestigious awards of the year, but only those who actively look up the winners online would know. How is that fair?
Rock and alternative music are more up-and-coming than ever, with Panic at the Disco and Weezer being a part of the Frozen 2 soundtrack. Not only this, but there continues to be powerful collaborations and solo projects that are stemming from these genres, that simply aren’t being recognized.
What qualifies as an award worthy song, album, or performance? What do these artists need to do to receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve? Is it only the music on the mainstream radio that’s worthy of discussion? Or will the Grammys eventually give all music genres the recognition they deserve? Something needs to change with these prestigious award ceremonies. It’s time that equal consideration is given to the genres that may not always be in the public eye.
Congratulations to the nominees for Best Rock Album: Bring Me the Horizon, The Cranberries, I Prevail, and Rival Sons, and the winner of the category, Cage the Elephant.
Congratulations to the nominees for Best Rock Performance: Bones UK, Brittany Howard, Karen O & Danger Mouse, and Rival Sons, and the winner of the category, Gary Clark Jr.
Congratulations to the nominees for Best Rock Song: Tool, The 1975, Vampire Weekend, and Brittany Howard, and the winner of the category, Gary Clark Jr.
Congratulations to the nominees for Best Metal Performance: Candlemass featuring Tony Iommi, Death Angel, I Prevail, Killswitch Engage, and the winner of the category, Tool.
And finally, congratulations to the nominees for Alternative Music Album: Big Thief, James Blake, Bon Iver, and Thom Yorke, and the winner of the category, Vampire Weekend.