I do not admit it very often, but I am actually a huge Lady Gaga fan. Although she is a bit odd, she absolutely fascinates me. Whether it be her outlandish outfits or interesting interviews in magazines and newspapers, she is truly a captivating celebrity.
Despite her controversial image, she is an entertainer, hands down. She may do some jaw-dropping things, but she keeps her viewers hooked whether it be via television, YouTube or any other means of media.
When I heard that Lady Gaga would be one of the opening acts for the Grammys, I was excited. What better way to grab viewers’ attention than with a riveting performance by the female superstar? I was even more drawn to the show when I learned that Lady Gaga would perform with legend Elton John.
The Grammys, which are the most prestigious music awards show in the country, are no doubt very entertaining. But after watching the Sunday, Jan. 31 performances, I was left wondering at what point the show becomes more about the obsession with costumes, hairstyles, make-up, glitter and shoes than it is about the actual music and talent.
Take pop singer Pink for example. Her voice is mediocre at best. However, due to her acrobatic prowess, which she displayed as she flipped and twirled 50 feet above the stage in a giant ribbon, and dip into a huge pool of water, I was slightly entertained by her performance, in a guilty-pleasure sort of way.
Pink’s super-short, platinum blonde hair was accompanied by her skimpy outfit which consisted of skinny pieces of fabric that followed the curves of her body, glitter, and a skin-colored leotard (I hope). Neither of these costume extremes aided her in covering up her nearly naked body.
Although she did look interesting with the make-up and glitter that covered her body, neither the word “classy” nor “beautiful” came to mind.
Like I said, I consider Pink’s musical talent average, yet she kept me sitting for several minutes as I was both interested and bothered by her appearance. But later, I felt disgusted with myself. Did I really just watch a musical performance solely on the basis of a cute costume?
I definitely enjoy indulging in the Grammy performances. But after I walked away, I did not feel like I had just viewed the most talented singers in the country.
The show was less focused on music and more centered around who looked the best, as if it was a fashion show. I was left wondering what the purpose of music is. And where are all those bands with truly talented instrumentalists and singers? While my eyes were entertained, the Grammys definitely left my ears looking for more.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying a little mindless entertainment here and there. However, when entertainment turns into a pure obsession, whether it be with a particular celebrity or with ones own appearance, things get a bit unhealthy.
The celebrities undoubtedly spent thousands of dollars as well as many hours preparing for their short appearances on the Grammys. That is a sacrifice I am not willing to make just in order to look good.
Although celebrities are the most famous and reputably talented people in the country, we should not take our cues from them. They are spinning in a very unhealthy whirlwind of nudity and money – a seemingly glamorous world we can be thankful we will never enter.
