Grammy Awards Get Lowest Rating Since '95

[Placebo]

From J.Lo to James Brown, Usher to U2, the Grammys had it all this year — except a lot of interested viewers. An estimated 18.8 million people watched Ray Charles' swan song clean up with eight awards Sunday night, a startling 28 percent drop from the 2004 Grammys.

After two years on an upswing, Grammy ratings sunk to their lowest level since 1995, according to Nielsen Media Research. It may be an ominous sign for the granddaddy of awards shows, the Academy Awards, Feb. 27 on ABC.

People at CBS and elsewhere in the industry were somewhat perplexed by the numbers on Monday, given that the show was jam-packed with performances and star power.

"This was the show to beat in terms of how it was produced," said Shari Anne Brill, a television analyst for Carat USA. "It was just great. It wasn't about someone handing out awards. It was about performances. Viewers who didn't tune in missed a treat."

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ha, Ha, HA, HA!!! I have a feeling I missed nothing by not tuning in, much less a "treat!"

[donco6]

1. One word: ZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Who cares about the Grammy's? I would probably AVOID a grammy-winner when considering what to buy at Best Buy.

[RevolutionaryActs]

2. My highlights: Franz Ferdinand as part of the opening show and

and Green Day kicking so much ass! :headbang:

[tjdee]

4. Heck yeah, I decided the lead singer is one of my boyfriends.

:silly:

Hadn't seen them live before, MUCH better than on that video. Totally different vibe, actually. Will give them a second listen.

Btw, Nicholas Nickelby!
:cry:

Haven't gotten to Deathwatch yet.

[RevolutionaryActs]

7. No! Mine!

We share? :silly:


I know Nicholas Nickelby! :cry:


Go watch Deathwatch now and report back! :P

[tjdee]

3. It was one of the more exciting ones in recent years.

I mean, the opening number was a good concept (if not a LOT of Black Eyed Peas), the Melissa Etheridge/Joss Stone tribute to Janis Joplin was great, U2 delivered as usual, Alicia Keys did wonderfully (and I usually can't stand her)....

It was one of the more interesting ones I've seen in the past five years at least, overall.

In general, though, the Grammys have sucked for a long time.

OH--but the Ray Charles worship was getting a bit thick in there, IMO. Jiminy.

[Leftist78]

5. it sucked

I always have a lot of gripes about the grammys, bunch of corporate shills giving out awards to bands signed by the big 5 and ignoring the indie labels or giving them some small time nomination or award. I believe I'll drop dead if an indie band gets best album any time in the near future.

[LostInAnomie]

6. Why would I want to waste hours of my time...

... watching a bland, mediocre, crap fest?

[Guy Fawkes]

8. Those were on...?

oh well...

[tishaLA]

9. Latifah tries to sing "Lush Life" live....

and a tsunami relief song is sung similarly off key. And the ratings tank? Color me shocked, SHOCKED, shocked!

[elperromagico]

10. It's ONLINE DOWNLOADING that's to blame for this!!!

After all, why would you spend three hours watching the awards when you can just download a list of the winners off the Internet in less than a minute?!?

This message brought to you by the good people at the RIAA. :hi:

[Placebo]

12. So true!

The only awards show I watch anymore is the Academy Awards. :)

[linazelle]

11. The musical acts were outstanding: Alicia Keys, Kanye West,

the opening act was a good concept but nearly went overboard, Jamie Fox, Bono...I didn't watch it all but these acts were great. I taped it and I'm fast forwarding through it now.