MOVING MOMENT FOR MICHAEL JACKSON'S SON

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THE WEB GOSSIP
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Beyonce

GRAMMY DEAREST – Although Beyonce made history last night at the 52nd Grammys, becoming the most decorated woman ever, winning six trophies, I found the whole event to be somewhat lifeless. Yes, Lady Gaga and Elton John opening the show (with her “Speechless” and his ‘Your Song”) might have been the emotional highlight, the sound was so universally bad, that at times you could hardly hear the vocals … and, Pink, though I love her, what did her Cirque du Soleil-ian inspired performance have to do with music. When she was dipped in water at one point and rose skyward, shaking all the water off, you could immediately see the discomfort of those who got splashed. Totally weird and totally non-musical. Taylor Swift, who nabbed the all-important album of the year, sang with Stevie Nicks, and ably acquitted herself, although at times she looked a little-too-happy to be there. Nicks, terrific as ever with the wonderful guitarist Waddy Wachtel and Kennry Arnoff on drums, were superlative. Lady Antebellum, who have to my mind, have come up with one of the best records in quite some time, “Need You Know,” were great, but again, you could hardly hear their vocals. The Zac Brown Group, who won the best new artist of the year awards, sang with a frail looking Leon Russell. Russell, as we tipped you last week, has gone into the studios with Elton and Bernie Taupin and producer T. Bone Burnett to record an album, remains one of the best artists ever, and we wish him the best. Beyonce herself, who gamely followed the Gaga/John performance was just terrific, singing Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know.” She is one terrific performer, totally in command, looking so fabulous, and with a God-inspired voice. The most touching moment was when Michael Jackson’s son, Prince, accepted his dad’s Lifetime Achievement Award, after an inspired performance of “Earth Song,” with Jennifer Hudson; Celine Dion; Usher; Carrie Underwood; and, Smokey Robinson. That was for me, the moment of the show. Also, King Of Leon via their "Use Somebody" emerging as record of the year. Great group ... very deserving. If you've ever been the The Staples Center in L.A. (yes, where The Lakers play!) you know that the massive hall has practically no acoustics at all. In fact, the artists that I have see in there, and who sounded half way decent, always brought their own sound reinforcement in. Yes, it is that bad. The Grammy's have come a long way; from Andy Williams and his “Moon River,” to the wonderful duet of Elton and Eminem, still a favorite of this writer. All in all, more commerce than art, but still an enjoyable outing. Despite the damage done to the business by over-eager gunslingers, right now is still a most creative and fertile time for music … not so much for the business, but for the artists. Tonight in L.A., producer Quincy Jones will re-record “We Are The World”:, with an array of performers from this telecast … re-creating the song as a tribute to the recent devastation in Haiti. I have applauded all the efforts to this end, from George Clooney’s telethon last week to tonight’s opus. Congrats to all.

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Michael Buble

SNL REDEUX --- Jon Hamm’s SNL hosting performance of last year was, to my mind, one of the best shows in years on the broadcast. His repeat hosting stint this past Saturday wasn't as strong, however, he’s totally at ease, funny and doesn't mind sending himself up as the butt of the jokes. His monologue consisted of him talking about several of his earlier career performances; a early-90s sitcom and an appearance on Def Comedy Jam. Thing was … both spots featured him in his Don Draper-character… just so funny! He also said the stint of Def got him the Mad Men role. Hilarious! Another skit, where he mysteriously appeared as an apparition named Sergio, was spot-on brilliant. Face it, Hamm’s the real deal. Music guest Michael Buble, so hot right now with his “Haven't Met You Yet,’ was outstanding too … certainly once he stopped jumping around and gesticulating like he was on a coffee high. I've been there and know it’s quite the heady experience. Great voice, great talent! Well done boys! BIMBOS AND MORE – I don't get this show. It’s kind of a bastard-version of the Victoria Gotti-opus of several years back. I don't think it’s in good taste … but, I’m not really sure? All I know is that as season one ended, the participants held out for loads more dough for season two. The fact that they got it … is the real story. SNL has done them, they've become the butt-of-the-late-night jesters … but, it all seems a bit sad, doesn't it? I'm all for the all-American dollar … but, it still seems so tawdry ... but, I guess America's loves and needs to laugh. I'll bet the farm once this show is gone, they'll never be heard from again ... so, go for it! Pop culture ... or, not. You decide.

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Debbie Gibson

GIBSON’S EDGE – I guess the sentiments we passed along last week were shared by others, as Mel Gibson’s Edge Of Darkness epic emerged at the #2 spot this past weekend. Again, it’s a terrific, suspense-thrilled movie. It won't go down as a biblical-changing epic, but Gibson’s turgid performance is absolutely riveting. Ray Winstone, as the mysterious figure Jedburgh is awesome as well. It’s Mad Mel back again. Let’s collectively wish him well. He’s got three other projects in the pipeline. Congrats!

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Mark Bego

REMEMBERING THE KING – Tango Publishing has released the magazine, Michael Jackson: Remember The King – Michael Jackson’s Final Tribute, featuring celebrity-biographer Mark Bego as the editor of the book. Says Bego, “When Jackson passed, we looked at a number of possible deals for a book … nothing looked as good as this project via a magazine.” Bego, who edited the enduring Modern Screen magazine for years, as well as Cue (remember them!), wrote essentially the entire magazine … even referencing several points from his forthcoming biography Paperback Writer. In these days of instant media, infotainment information every day, every minute, a magazine does make sense. The magazine is available at Barnes & Noble and Walmart.
Photos By: Walter McBride/RD/Leon/Kirkland/Retna