Beyoncé, Adele to face off at 2017 Grammys

With Grammy Award one week away, tensions are rising. The reason behind the heightened mood surrounding the 59th Grammys, which is set to be held at Los Angeles’ Staples Center on next Sunday night (local time), can be explained two-fold.

　

First, it is highly likely that stars will use much of their acceptance speeches and performances to slam U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policy. Musicians will set the stage for the protest against Trump prior to the 89th Academy Awards on Feb. 26. Beyoncé will perform at 2017 Grammys to celebrate the event. She is leading the nominations with nine nods for her album “Lemonade,” which tackled issues of excessive use of force by the white police force against African Americans. Beyoncé performed by wearing Black Panther (African American self-defense organization) style costume at last year’s Super Bowl halftime show. At that time, her performance raised a huge controversy as Super Bowl banned performers to carry a political message.

British actor James Corden, who will host this year’s Grammy Awards for the first time, is also figured as someone to watch. He recently criticized Trump’s immigration ban through social media. A big match between Beyoncé and British diva Adele will make the Grammys worth watching. They were selected as nominees in the three main categories including Album of The Year, Record of The Year, and Song of The Year. It is expected that close-up shots of the two nominees will highlight the end of the thrilling event. Other nominees include Drake, Rihanna, and Kanye West (eight each).

　

One new noticeable "Nova" star is a rapper and singer-songwriter Chance The Rapper with 7 nominations. His album ‘Coloring Book’ received rave reviews from the critics and was released by streaming service only. Change the Rapper’s ‘Coloring Book’ is first streaming -exclusive album to chart on Billboard and Grammy nominee without CD or LP. If the Recording Academy gives him, who resists against the traditional music industry, a Grammy trophy, it would become a history by itself. David Bowie, whose death occurred two days after the release of "Blackstar" last year, was selected as a nominee in four categories including Best Rock Performance. Celebrating events also deserve attention. In the 2014 Grammys, Metallica performed with Chinese pianist Lang Lang by surprising audiences. Metallica’s secret card for the performance in three years is expected. Adele’s previous out of tune performance at the Grammys was remembered by many. Whether or not she would take back glory of the diva at live performance is worth waiting the Grammys.

The Grammy Awards will be aired by CBS TV and broadcast live via Mnet at 10 a.m. on next Monday (Korean time).

imi@donga.com