Sunday Times 2
Grammys set for ‘fun.’ night, but with clothes on
View(s):LOS ANGELES (AFP) -The music world gathers in Los Angeles on Sunday for the Grammys, with oddly-punctuated indie pop band ‘fun.’ hoping to win big at the industry’s top awards show — as long as they keep their clothes on.
Controversial: Jennifer Lopez at the 42nd annual Grammy Awards in Feb, 2000
Elton John, Taylor Swift and Mumford and Sons are among a galaxy of stars to take the stage at the Staples Center — albeit with a warning not to show too much flesh, be it breasts, nipples, or the dreaded “buttock crack.” Others in the running for Grammys glory include rapper Frank Ocean, the Black Keys, Jack White, Kelly Clarkson and Gotye, while late Indian sitar guru Ravi Shankar is to receive a posthumous lifetime achievement Grammy award.
But New York band fun. topped nominations announced in December, shortlisted in six categories including the key ones of best album (“Some Nights”), song (“We are Young”), record (for producers of “We are Young”) and best new artist.
If they were to win all four it would be the first time this is achieved in more than 30 years, according to the New York Times.
Rap artist Frank Ocean also scored six nominations, including for best album (the critically acclaimed “Channel Orange”), record of the year (“Thinkin Bout You”), best new artist and best urban contemporary album.
Ocean caused a stir in the macho and sometimes homophobic realm of hip hop when he revealed in a Tumblr blog prior to the release of “Channel Orange” that he had been involved in a gay relationship.
Nate Ruess of indie band Fun. (AFP)
The Grammys are the premier music industry awards in the United States, with no fewer than 81 categories. Winners are determined by voting among members of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
On the eve of the show, a leaked letter from US television network CBS — which broadcasts the show live — warned stars not to reveal too much skin on stage Sunday night.
“Please be sure that buttocks and female breasts are adequately covered .. Thong type costumes are problematic. Please avoid
exposing bare fleshy under curves of the buttocks and buttock crack,” it said.
The letter continued: “Bare sides or under curvature of the breasts is also problematic. Please avoid sheer see-through clothing that could possibly expose female breast nipples.”
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