2011 Grammy Vocal Performances

This year I've decided to analyze my favorite and least favorite 2011 Grammy Vocal Performances.  The Grammy's were definitely full of surprises this year--showcasing virtually every genre of music. And the Academy got it right this year with most of their awards, but I enjoyed some of the performances more than others.


My Top 3 2011 Grammy Vocal Performances:

• Cee-Lo/Gwyneth Paltrow: Initially, I did not want to admit that Ms. Paltrow could sing, but it sounds like her vocal coach is doing a great job. Much improvement on her overall technique since she sang at the Country Music Awards. Her belted notes were great and she rocked that outfit! Cee-low was hilarious and did a great job performing as well. 
• Miranda Lambert: Subtle, heart-felt and beautifully done--Miranda's vocal performance proved that music does not require bells and whistles in order to sound amazing. Too many vocalists oversing and overkill. Miranda was elegant and poised. This was her year to shine!
• Muse: I've been a fan of Muse since my WVUM DJ days and it was awesome to finally see them perform in the Grammy's. Their appearance was well worth the wait, because they were frickin' phenomenal and killed their performance. Great vocals + awesome show production!

My Worst 3 2011 Grammy Vocal Performances:

• Aretha Franklin Tribute: Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Yolanda Adams, Florence Welch and Martina McBride sang a medley of Aretha songs and although some parts were extremely well done, I couldn't get passed the cacophony of oversinging--especially towards the end of the song. Christina's singing was a lot better than her Super Bowl disaster and Jennifer Hudson was pretty solid. Martina McBride was unmemorable and Florence Welch surprised me with her range during "Think." I felt Yolanda Adams was a bit harsh-sounding. I was pleasantly surprised until they all started to sing at once....train-wreck. They *almost* had it, almost.  
• Rihanna: When she wasn't singing into a live Pro Tools session, and she was actually live, she was terrible. She couldn't reach the high notes on "Love The Way You Lie" and she was just all over the place, changing keys left and right.  Unforgiveable.
• Katy Perry: Sorry Katy, but you failed to deliver. You had no stage presence, provided very little effort, and made me bored. I love her songs but her performance was definitely lackluster. 

Mind you, these performances are mainly being critiqued by their vocals. I know some opinions may differ so I'm curious to hear what you think!?

Till next time Divas,

*Katrina*