Dixie Chicks became the Grammy chicks on Sunday, walking off with all five awards for which they were nominated, including the three big ones -- song, record, and album of the year.
Vindication doesn't get much sweeter than that. But it's deserved. "Taking the Long Way" isn't only musically strong but showed the Dixie Chicks also have integrity by standing behind what they believe in. What a shame they were basically blacklisted by country music. By awarding them so much, it's as if the music industry apologized.
The show itself was all over the place, which is the nature of a beast this sprawling -- rock, country, classical, hip-hop, jazz, and more, by old stars, new stars, and sometimes, no stars at all, as that young girl who won an online contest to sing with Justin Timberlake on "My Love."
She did okay. But that was hardly the performance of the night.
I liked Christina Aguilera's ballsy take on James Brown's "It's a Man's, Man's World." Dressed in all white, she poured herself into that one, flailing on the stage, hitting notes that almost didn't sound human. Grammy then went one further, brigning out James Brown's jacket, the one his emcee wrapped around him at the end of every performance. That was poignant.
You'd think Grammy might have found Red Hot Chili Peppers a more fitting choice to salute Brown than Aguilera. But I thought she was fine and fittingly over the top---as he often was, too.
Mary J. Blige acquitted herself nicely on an orchestrated "Be Without You,": similarly Gnarls Barkley (with Erie's Chris Vrenna on drums) blew up "Crazy" big time with a chorale. Gnarls lost out on Record of the Year but fittingly won for best urban alternative performance and best alternative album. Shakira and Wyclef Jean were pretty lively with the overplayed "Hips Don't Lie"; at least they seemed into it.
Chili Peppers were rather ordinary during "Snow"; except for Flea's bounding around, though the fluttering newspaper snow looked cool. You expect chaos and manic energy, but they were surprisingly low-key, even in their acceptance speeches.
Did Justin Timberlake need to show us how many nose hairs he has, while camcording himself during "What Goes Around?"
I have no clue what Imogen Heap was wearing; did she pick it up at department store or greenhouse? The Eagles' tribute was overblown and unnecessary. Rascal Flatts, you are no Eagles. And Chris Brown may not have won Best New Artist but he deserved Best Floor Routine. Bet he sells tons of tickets after that gymnastic routine.
Strange seeing Al Gore and Queen Latifah up there giving out Best Rock Award; who thought that up?
As for the Police, during a strong "Roxanne," Sting looked all buff and healthy, as if to say, 'Really, we can manage a grueling world tour; we aren't over the hill.' That tour was announced today and shockingly includes no dates for Cleveland, Pittsburgh, or Buffalo. So far, Toronto is the nearest city, though the press release states Columbus, Ohio, will be added later.
Ticket prices will be $250, $90 and $50. See www.thepolicetour.com for more details.
As tipped in Showcase a few weeks ago, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, and Eric Church are confirmed to play Tullio Arena on March 30. Tickets will go on sale Feb. 23, at Tullio Arena box office, Ticketmaster outlets, and by phone at 452-2857. Prices will be $34.75 and $29.75.
Even as Bentley is confirmed for Erie, another major country show may loom for Erie. Both Pollstar and the web site for Martina McBride list an Erie date for the singer on June 23. According to Pollstar, Little Big Town will open. McBride lists an April 13 on-sale date for the concert. She was last here with a Christmas show in November 2003. The Tullio Center has not yet confirmed this date.