2008 Grammy Awards

Linda · **Posted:** Sun Jan 20, 2008 11:12 am

http://www.nme.com/news/beyonce/33759

Striking writers urged to sign Grammy deal

Jan 19, 2008

The Recording Academy is asking its members to sign a petition urging the Writers Guild of America to strike a deal for the upcoming Grammy Awards.

The agreement would grant a waiver to striking writers allowing them to work on the music awards show.

The fate of the February 10 show has been in doubt since the strike began in November, and looked even gloomier after the Golden Globes ceremony aired as a press conference last week.

The petition reads: "As a member of The Recording Academy, I would like to express my strong support for the Grammy Awards, and to encourage the WGA to accept the interim agreement offered by the producers of the Grammys.... During this important 50th anniversary year, I support the Grammys and strongly urge the guild to do the same."

The link to the online petition was sent by Recording Academy President Neil Portnow to its members yesterday (January 17) via email, reports the Associated Press.

The Recording Academy said that they hope an agreement can be reached, but the Writers Guild said it is unlikely.

Linda · **Posted:** Sun Jan 20, 2008 11:24 am

http://www.nme.com/news/beyonce/33751

Beyonce and Foo Fighters WILL be at Grammys

Jan 18, 2008

Management for Beyonce and Foo Fighters have confirmed their commitment to the Grammy Awards by saying they will definitely be at the ceremony.

Doubt was cast over the upcoming awards show after last week’s Golden Globes ceremony was turned into a press conference due to the writer’s strike.

Members of the Writer’s Guild of America have been striking since December 7 over issues that include compensation for internet programmes.

However, Mathew Knowles manager and father of Beyonce said that she and two other artists on his roster – Solange (also his daughter) and Trinitee 5:7 will participate in the event. He added “We have an incredible Beyonce performance that will be announced soon", reports Variety.

Of his band’s attendance at the event, Foo Fighters manager John Silva said "We're looking forward to attending this year's Grammy Awards as we do every year. We are hopeful that we will see a resolution to the current situation affecting our entire industry, as Foo Fighters have always had nothing short of amazing experiences with the writers, producers, fellow artists and audiences at the Grammys and every television show the band has ever played."

Kid Bailey · 16 Jul 2006

The people involved in this strike should all be well taken to task. They are involved in multibillion dollar industries and they can't agree how to slice up the pie.
Meanwhile, many other workers and their families suffer because of it, and performers for whom the Golden Globe Awards or the Grammys are of utmost importance suffer as well.
I know that strike issues are often very complex, but I find it sad that they've let this go on for this long.
In addition to that, there are probably going to be only 8 new episodes of "Lost" this season, which is really pissing me off. :evil:

Linda · **Posted:** Tue Jan 22, 2008 9:56 pm

http://www.nme.com/news/beyonce/33820

Writers Guild says it won't picket Grammy Awards

Jan 23, 2008

The Writer's Guild of America has issued a statement saying it will refrain from picketing the forthcoming Grammy Awards.

Recording Academy President Neil Portnow has stated the show will go on no matter what, but no picketing may increases the likelihood of more big-name musicians attending the February 10 event in Los Angeles.

However, the Writers Guild has not yet granted a waiver that would allow its members to work on the ceremony, reports the Associated Press.

This may not have as big an impact on the Grammys as it would on heavily scripted awards shows such as the Academy Awards, since the Grammys rely mostly on musical performances.

The fate of the Grammys has been in doubt since the strike began in November, and looked even gloomier after the Golden Globes ceremony aired as a press conference earlier this month.

Management for Beyonce and Foo Fighters have confirmed that they will attend the Grammy Awards regardless of the agreement outcome, as previously reported.

Rick Grubbs · 03 Oct 2006

I will sound like a music geek but really the only thing that interests me here are the historical and liner notes and stuff like that. They are the only categories that I ever have any releases from.

Linda · **Posted:** Wed Feb 06, 2008 6:01 pm

http://www.nme.com/news/amy-winehouse/34014

Amy Winehouse's dad says 'No no no' to Grammys

Feb 1, 2008

Amy Winehouse is scheduled to appear at the upcoming Grammy Awards, but her father thinks it's too soon for the troubled singer to leave rehab.

Winehouse is nominated in six Grammy categories and her record label issued a statement last week saying the singer was undergoing treatment for drug addiction to "prepare for her planned appearance at the Grammy Awards."

However, Mitch Winehouse told the Daily Mirror that he thinks the pressure of the big American gig could be too much for his daughter.

"I'm not sure the Grammys are going to happen," he said. "I don't want her to go -- I think it might be a bit too soon for her. She's not well - that's why she's in rehab."

The Grammy Awards are set to take place in Los Angeles on February 10.

Linda · **Posted:** Wed Feb 06, 2008 6:02 pm

http://www.nme.com/news/amy-winehouse/34100

Amy Winehouse to play Grammy Awards?

Feb 5, 2008

Amy Winehouse has been spotted for the first time outside of the Capio Nightingale Clinic in London where she is being treated for drug addiction.

The singer, who recently headed into rehab after video of her apparently taking drugs appeared online, left the clinic yesterday (February 3) and met US officials about a visa so she can sing at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles this Sunday (February 10).

Winehouse is nominated for six awards at the ceremony, including Album Of The Year and Best New Artist.

A spokesman for Winehouse told BBC News: "The appointment at the US Embassy was made some time ago and was part of process for obtaining a visa.

"Amy was accompanied by a nurse as the appointment was under supervision. She has not left rehab and remains under the care of the clinic."

However apparently “no decision” has been made yet about whether the 'Back To Black' star will attend the awards.

Linda · **Posted:** Wed Feb 06, 2008 6:03 pm

http://www.nme.com/news/mark-ronson/34159

Mark Ronson: 'Grammys will be boring without Amy Winehouse'

Feb 6, 2008

Mark Ronson is keeping his fingers crossed that Amy Winehouse makes it to the Grammy Awards this Sunday (February 10).

Speaking at a New York Fashion Week party at the Prada store in Soho last night (February 5), Ronson said he was waiting to hear news of Winehouse’s work visa, expected today.

“I hope Amy can make it, it’ll be boring without her. Except Slash will be there, that’ll be good” he said.

Unless Winehouse gains entry to the US, Ronson will not be performing at the ceremony in Los Angeles. He will however, perform at the BRIT awards on February 20 with Adele, Daniel Merriweather and surprise guests, possibly to include Amy Winehouse.

Ronson does not expect to win any of the three Grammys he is competing for this weekend, particularly Producer Of The Year.

“I think Timbaland will win honestly because even if the stuff he made this year wasn’t that amazing, he’s never been recognized before for his contribution made to music. I would feel weird if I won over Timbaland.”

Linda · **Posted:** Fri Feb 08, 2008 12:13 pm

http://www.nme.com/news/amy-winehouse/34186

Amy Winehouse will not attend Grammy Awards

Feb 7, 2008

Amy Winehouse will not be performing at the Grammy Awards ceremony on Sunday (February 10) because she has been denied a US visa, it was announced today (February 7).

The singer, who has been in a rehabilitation clinic to treat drug addiction for the past two weeks, was turned down by the US Embassy for undisclosed reasons.

"Amy has been progressing well since entering a rehabilitation clinic two weeks ago and although disappointed with the decision has accepted the ruling and will be concentrating on her recovery," her publicity firm said in a statement, adding that she had been treated well by the embassy staff.

Winehouse is nominated for six Grammy Awards and was slated to perform at the ceremony in Los Angeles, although her attendance has been in doubt since she entered rehab.

Linda · **Posted:** Fri Feb 08, 2008 12:15 pm

http://www.nme.com/news/amy-winehouse/34190

Amy Winehouse to perform at Grammys via satellite

Feb 8, 2008

Amy Winehouse will reportedly perform by satellite at Sunday's Grammy Awards ceremony, it was announced today (February 7).

The singer's publicist issued a statement earlier today saying that the US Embassy had denied Winehouse a visa to enter the US for the Los Angeles event on Sunday (February 10), although they did not cite the reason.

Now Winehouse, who has been in a rehabilitation clinic to treat drug addiction for the past two weeks, will apparently offer the next best thing to being there in person by performing via satellite, an anonymous executive close to the Grammys told the Associated Press.

Winehouse is nominated for six Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year for 'Rehab'.

Linda · **Posted:** Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:26 pm

http://www.nme.com/news/various-artists/34213

Jimmy Jam reunites with The Time for Grammys

Feb 8, 2008

Super producer Jimmy Jam is planning a reunion performance with his former band The Time at the Grammys this Sunday.

Jam, who is most famous for his production collaboration work with Terry Lewis will reunite with his former high school band at the event in Los Angeles’ Staples Center.

The Time toured with Prince in the 80s, before Jam and Lewis got together to work as producers, most famously on several albums.

They will collaborate with ‘Umbrella’ star Rihanna, one of several one-off collaborations scheduled for the ceremony.

Beyonce is rumoured to be performing a duet with Tina Turner at the event, while Foo Fighters will play with a contest-winning fan.

Linda · **Posted:** Fri Feb 08, 2008 10:14 pm

http://www.nme.com/news/amy-winehouse/34217

Amy Winehouse finally gets US visa

Feb 8, 2008

Amy Winehouse has been issued a US visa, but it's too late for the singer to attend Sunday's Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, her representatives said today (February 8).

The singer's publicist issued a statement yesterday saying that the US Embassy had denied Winehouse a visa to enter the US for the event, although they did not cite the reason.

Today, a US State Department official told the Associated Press that Winehouse's original visa application was denied under US immigration rules regarding the "use and abuse of narcotics."

"Amy would like to thank all of those people, in particular the staff involved at the US Embassy in London, who have all worked so hard to expedite her application," the singer's publicity firm said in a statement.

"She is looking forward to being a part of the 50th Annual Grammy Awards with her Sunday night performance and to going back to the US soon."

Winehouse, who has been in a rehabilitation clinic to treat drug addiction for the past two weeks, is scheduled to perform on the Grammy Awards telecast via satellite from London.

She is nominated for six Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year for 'Rehab'.

Linda · **Posted:** Sun Feb 10, 2008 7:09 pm

http://www.nme.com/news/foo-fighters/34229

Foo Fighters, Alicia Keys perform at pre-Grammy party

Feb 10, 2008

Foo Fighters and Alicia Keys were among the performers at Clive Davis' annual star-studded pre-Grammy bash at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles last night (February 9).

The party, hosted by music industry boss and CEO of the RCA Music Group Davis, was attended by several top names in US music and acting circles.

Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz was on-hand with girlfriend Ashlee Simpson, as were Velvet Revolver, R&B legends Gladys Knight, Earth, Wind & Fire and Whitney Houston.

Also in attendance were Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Rod Stewart, Josh Groban, Rihanna, Mark Ronson, Evanescence, Dave Stewart, actors Lindsay Lohan, Jon Voight and Kyle McLaughlin as well as comedians David Spade and Bill Maher.

Feist, whose indie rock album 'The Reminder' broke through this year with four Grammy nominations, received a shout out from Davis himself. "Welcome to our world of contemporary music," he said.

Notably absent from the ceremony were this year's biggest Grammy nominees -- Kanye West and Amy Winehouse, who was unable to make it into the country in time for the Grammys due to problems obtaining a US visa, as previously reported.

Last night's guests had plenty to say about the controversial singer, who is up for six Grammy Awards at tonight's ceremony.

"It's a shame Amy can't be here but I'm sure she's gonna do well via satellite," Josh Groban told NME.COM.

"I'm rooting for Amy Winehouse. I thought it was stupid not to grant Amy a visa," said Meatloaf.

"I'm rooting for Amy to LIVE!" chimed in Bill Maher.

On a more serious note, producer Mark Ronson told NME.COM. "I'm rooting for me and Amy. I wish she was here. She's a big part of the awards and she's nominated heavily."

Linda · **Posted:** Sun Feb 10, 2008 7:09 pm

http://www.nme.com/news/mark-ronson/34228

Mark Ronson throws pre-Grammy bash sans Amy Winehouse

Feb 10, 2008

Mark Ronson threw a pre-Grammy bash at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel Friday night (February 8), where he performed live for family and friends despite the absence of his pal Amy Winehouse.

The producer, who earned Grammy nods for his production work on Winehouse's break-through album 'Back To Black', spun tunes throughout the night and jammed with Santogold, Wale, Alex Greenwald, Kenna and Simon Rex, among others.

"I want to thank everyone who came out tonight, especially my sister and my mum," he told the audience, which included Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis and Devendra Banhart.

Since Ronson could not perform a much-rumoured duet with Winehouse, he made to the best he could, saying, "Fuck it all -- I'll just play it," before spinning their hit 'Rehab'.

"I think (Winehouse) should be here," Ronson told NME.COM after the party. "I hope we can perform together in the future."

Linda · **Posted:** Sun Feb 10, 2008 11:09 pm

http://www.nme.com/news/amy-winehouse/34230

Amy Winehouse wins Grammy for Best New Artist

Feb 11, 2008

Amy Winehouse won the Grammy for Best New Artist at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles tonight (February 10).

Winehouse beat off competition from:

Feist
Ledisi
Paramore
Taylor Swift

Linda · **Posted:** Sun Feb 10, 2008 11:10 pm

http://www.nme.com/news/the-white-stripes/34232

The White Stripes win Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album

Feb 11, 2008

The White Stripes won the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles tonight (February 10).

The duo beat off competition from:

Lily Allen – ‘Alright, still…’
Arcade Fire – ‘Neon Bible’
Bjork – ‘Volta’
The Shins – ‘Wincing The Night Away’

Linda · **Posted:** Sun Feb 10, 2008 11:11 pm

http://www.nme.com/news/daft-punk/34231

Daft Punk make surprise Grammy appearance with Kanye West

Feb 11, 2008

Daft Punk made a surprise appearance at tonight's Grammy Awards, performing with Kanye West at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The duo teamed up with the evening's most-nominated artist for an original version of West's recent hit 'Stronger', which they created specifically for the Grammys.

This was the French duo's first-ever television appearance in their 14-year history.

Linda · **Posted:** Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:51 am

http://www.nme.com/news/foo-fighters/34235

Foo Fighters win Grammy for Best Rock Album

Feb 11, 2008

Foo Fighters won the Grammy for Best Rock Album for 'Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace' at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles tonight (February 10).

They beat off competition from:

Daughtry – ‘Daughtry’
John Fogerty – ‘Revival’
Bruce Springsteen – ‘Magic’
Wilco – ‘Sky Blue Sky’

"We feel great," drummer Taylor Hawkins told NME.COM. "It'll go to our house and we'll put it next to the other awards."

Linda · **Posted:** Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:52 am

http://www.nme.com/news/beyonce/34234

Beyonce joins Tina Turner for Grammy performance

Feb 11, 2008

Tina Turner was joined onstage by Grammy winner Beyonce at tonight's 50th Annual Grammy Awards.

This was the rock veteran's first stage appearance in several years. Turner sang three songs, including her hits 'What's Love Got To Do With It' and 'Better Be Good To Me', as well as a duet of 'Proud Mary' with Beyonce.

The singers were introduced by Cher, who quipped "As many of you know, I first started singing when Lincoln was president."

Linda · **Posted:** Mon Feb 11, 2008 9:47 am

http://www.nme.com/news/grammys-2008/34245

Amy Winehouse dominates Grammy Awards

Feb 11, 2008

Amy Winehouse dominated the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles tonight (February 10), taking home five of the six awards for which she was nominated.

Winehouse, who was not granted a US visa in time to attend the Grammys, performed remotely by satellite from an intimate club in London.

The singer sported her trademark brunette beehive adorned with gold roses. She gave a vibrant performance of 'You Know I'm No Good' and 'Rehab', for which she won several awards.

When Winehouse heard she had received the Record of the Year honour, she looked stunned. She then proceeded to thank her record label and those close to her.

"Thank you to everyone at Island, my mum and dad. This is for my Blake, my Blake incarcerated, and for London because Camden Town is burning down," she said, referring to her incarcerated husband Blake Fielder Civil and the Camden fire that occurred in London on Saturday (February 9).

Winehouse, who has been in a rehabilitation clinic to treat drug addiction for the past two weeks, took home more awards than any other artist, including Record of the Year, Best New Artist, Song of the Year, Pop Vocal Album and Female Pop Vocal Performance, as previously reported.

Linda · **Posted:** Mon Feb 11, 2008 9:54 am

http://www.nme.com/news/grammys-2008/34248

'How old is Tina Turner?' ask online fans after Grammys

Feb 11, 2008

Fans across the internet have being asking “how old is Tina Turner?” in massive numbers following last night’s (February 10) Grammy Awards.;

Tina Turner performed live with Beyonce, playing three songs at the 50th awards show.

Following the performance though the question “how old is Tina Turner?” has become one of the most searched items online.

According to Google Trends, which tracks terms used across the company's search engines, the topic has gone “volcanic”, peaking at 6pm (PST) as the ceremony took place.

For the record, Turner was born on 26 November 1939 making her currently 68 years-old.

Linda · **Posted:** Mon Feb 11, 2008 9:56 am

http://www.nme.com/news/grammys-2008/34246

The 50th Annual Grammy Awards deliver some surprises

Feb 11, 2008

Amy Winehouse and Kanye West triumphed at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles last night (February 10).

Winehouse took home five awards including Record of the Year, while West garnered an impressive four.

The ceremony went off without a hitch, despite the Hollywood writers strike that loomed over the event, and the absence of major winner Winehouse, who has been battling drug addiction and performed by satellite from London because her US visa was delayed.

The Foo Fighters also took home their share of Grammys, including Best Rock Album and Best Hard Rock Performance. Dave Grohl's band performed with a full orchestra on a stage outside the Staples Center. Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones created the orchestral arrangement, which featured a violin solo by the winner of the My Grammy Moment contest, Ann Marie Calhoun.

One of the biggest surprises of the evening came when jazz musician Herbie Hancock won the award for Album of the Year for 'River: The Joni Letters', beating out Winehouse, West and Foo Fighters.

"It's been 43 years since the first and only time a jazz artist has gotten the album of the year award, and this is what I was looking for," Hancock said.

Earlier in the evening, West gave a surprise performance with Daft Punk, as well as a moving rendition of his song 'Hey Mama', which he dedicated to his mother Donda West, who died in November.

When accepting the award for Best Rap Album, West said, "A lot of people say hip-hop is dead. I wanted to cross genres and show people the we could express ourselves with something new." He ended his acceptance speech by saying, "Mama, I'm gonna make you proud."

Other notable performances included Tina Turner dueting with Beyonce, The Time performing for the first time in 14 years, and a tribute to The Beatles that included a gospel choir and acrobatics by circus troupe Cirque du Soleil.

The White Stripes walked away with their share of awards as well, garnering trophies for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals.

Mark Ronson earned the Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical award for his work with Winehouse and Lily Allen.

Meanwhile, indie rocker Feist, who was up for four Grammys, went home empty-handed.

Earlier in the afternoon during the pre-telecast ceremony, US presidential hopeful Barack Obama garnered the award for Best Spoken Word Album for his book 'Audacity Of Hope', beating out former president Bill Clinton.

2008 Grammy Awards

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