Opinion
By ALESSIA LYLES, Senior
Awards shows are very prominent and important events in the entertainment industry.
It is a night where the biggest entertainers are awarded for their accomplishments in several different categories.
However, a night filled with so much excitement and anticipation can lead to disappointment and dispute.
On January 28, 2018, the 60th annual Grammy awards ceremony was held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry came out to celebrate the 60th anniversary along with family and friends.
It was a night filled with so many stars preparing for a night of fun and entertainment.
Unfortunately, the night ended with controversy regarding winners, losses, and comments made by Neil Portnow, the President and CEO of the Recording Academy.
According to Billboard, more than 80 awards were given out with nominees in approximately 84 categories.
Several stars endured losses and those that won suffered from backlash on social media.
Canadian singer and songwriter, Alessia Cara received a handful of hateful comments after being announced the winner for Best New Artist.
The following day the singer made a post on Instagram stating, “I will not let everything I’ve worked for be diminished by people taking offence to my accomplishments and feeling the need to tell me how much I suck.”
The singer went on to let everyone know that she was aware her music has been released for quite some time, but she is still happy and proud of herself for achieving a goal that she has had since childhood.
The night also ended with the topic of female representation which was not dominant during this year’s ceremony.
According to Forbes magazine, only 11 out of 84 awards were given to women.
Several female artists including Lorde, Halsey, and Janelle Monae, took to social media to share their opinion regarding gender equality in the entertainment industry.
CNN reported that New Zealand singer and songwriter, Lorde was the only woman nominated for album of the year and was also the only nominee not given the opportunity to perform.
Neil Portnow, the President and CEO of the Recording Academy had an explanation for the lack of female representation which resulted in a great amount of controversy.
According to Variety magazine, Portnow stated, “It has to begin with… women who have the creativity in their hearts and souls, who want to be musicians, who want to be engineers, producers, and want to be part of the industry on the executive level… They need to step up because I think they would be welcome.”
After these comments surfaced throughout the media, several entertainers, managers, and lawyers requested Portnow to resign.
Forbes magazine confirmed that over the past five years, only 9.3% of the grammy nominees have been women.
I believe that in recent years, award shows have not been the same and have changed drastically.
I noticed a decrease in the amount of entertainers that attend and it seems the guest list keeps getting shorter and shorter.
Personally, I feel that award shows should not dictate an artist success nor determine their status among others.
As someone who enjoys watching award shows and is a common user of social media, I began realizing the uproar award shows can bring.
I do believe it is possible for things to change regarding which awards are handed out and who they are handed out to.
I do not think anyone should be discouraged for not being a winner at any award show ceremonies. Especially because they are all talented in their own unique way.
"Don't let the fear of losing be greater than the excitement of winning." -Robert Kiyosaki
