When the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, wrote in their 1999 hit “Californiacation,” “Destruction leads to a very rough road, but it also breeds creation,” a 4 year old soon-to-be rap phenomenon, Austin Richard Post, known by his stage name Post Malone, responded with, “I went to California and I ain’t never comin’ back.” The unlikely duo, a cross-cut between rock and rap, are set to lead the list of performances at the 61st annual Grammy awards taking place on Sunday, Feb. 10.
Aside from Post and the RHCP, other musicians will perform including Miley Cyrus, Janelle Monáe, Kacey Musgraves, hip-hop icon Cardi B and many others. While performances have often been the most anticipated aspect of the award ceremony, music listeners have turned more towards the nominations this year as the categories of Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Best New Artists hold a wide variety of new talent.
Record of the Year nominations include Cardi B with her hip-hop hit “I Like It,” Brandi Charlie’s “The Joke,” Donald Glover’s social anthem “This is America,” Drake’s “God’s Plan,” the musical number “Shallow” from Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga’s movie “A Star is Born,” Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “All the Stars” from the hit soundtrack “Black Panther: The Album, Music From and Inspired By,” Post Malone’s single “Rockstar,” and finally the electric pop hit by composer Zedd “The Middle.”
There are a few first time nominees at this year’s Grammy Awards, including the established, 42 year old, Jazz saxophonist Tia Fuller. Fuller has finally earned a nomination for Best Jazz Instrumental Album after releasing her fifth Long Playing or Album (LP), “Diamond Cut,” in May of 2018. In the past, Fuller has toured with Beyoncé as a member of Knowles-Carter’s solely female back up band.
The category of World Music Field is a new addition to the awards show this year. This award will be determined by the normal nominations committee, and a voting-member expert group will then decide on a winner from a group of 5 finalists.
The award ceremony has much in store for viewers early next month, so keep your eyes peeled for changes in the performance schedule and updates to the nomination list before the Awards air on Feb. 10 at 8:00 p.m. EST.