Usually, the tribute to fallen heroes is one of the most moving sections of the show, but this year, it was extremely rushed. How can somebody follow three names (and photos) on the screen at once, of great musicians whom we've lost in the past year? At that kind of overly brisk speed? It was a truly awful segment that should have been great--at least Mick Jagger's electrifying tribute to Solomon Burke finished it off in style.
Electrifying is the missing word from any assessment of Justin Bieber, who's evidently making the talk show circuit, saying that he was really disappointed to be shut out at the Grammys. "Talent" is a relative word, little dude. Sure you can dance, and you can probably stay on-key. Where's the originality? The thing is to be compelling beyond your age group, and you are not. That youngster Bruno Mars--he's compelling.