Alicia Keys has been hired to be the host for this year’s Grammy Awards, which will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 10th. The popular singer, songwriter, and pianist has won an impressive total of 15 golden gramophone trophies throughout her very successful recording career, although it’s her ability to understand the mindset of her fellow musicians which really qualifies her for the job. The televised award show had been hosted by rapper LL Cool J from 2012 until late-night television host James Corden took over duties in 2017 and 2018. The show had no host from 2006-2011.
“I know what it feels like to be on that stage, and I’m going to bring that vibe and energy,” Keys said in a statement about her new role to go with Monday’s announcement. “I’m so excited to be the master of ceremonies on the biggest night in music and celebrate the creativity, power and, magic. I’m especially excited for all the incredible women nominated this year!”
There’s no doubt that the Recording Academy is in desperate need of a change or two, especially considering the organization operates in an industry whose main product continues to lose its monetary value while streaming and file sharing continues to dominate the recording side of the music business. The annually televised show also continues to see a steady decline in viewership over the last few years. Since peaking at a decade high of 39.91 million viewers in 2012 (mostly thanks to the then-recent passing of Whitney Houston), the ratings have decreased to 19.80 million in 2018, the lowest numbers since 2009.
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If there’s any veteran pop artist who has the capability of drawing a stronger viewership rating, someone like Keys certainly has the credentials to meet the duty head-on. Her 2001 debut album, Songs in A Minor, earned Keys five Grammy wins, including “Best New Artist” and “Song of the Year” for “Fallin'”. Keys released her sixth studio album back in November 2016 with Here.
Some fans may see this as a wonderful opportunity to let artists, especially a noteworthy female artist, speak for their colleagues and do a better job of translating the ethos of artistic communities into the homes of everyday Americans. Other musical purists will probably spend the coming weeks asking themselves yet again why such a meaningful and life-altering experience like music needs to be made into a competition.
Fans can tune into to see all of this year’s awards and performers with the 61st Grammy Awards airs live on CBS on February 10th.