GRAMMY AWARDS
The view from backstage
Quick quotes and high notes from Carrie Underwood, the Chili Peppers, John Mayer and more
By Steve Hochman and Rich Kane, Special to The Times, The Envelope
February 12, 2007
Two topics were inevitable for Carrie Underwood, named the year's best new artist. First, of course, was whether her success, both commercially and at the Grammy Awards, put a lie to the notion that being an "American Idol" winner could hurt more than help in some ways. She answered nicely, as if it were a new question for her.
"Obviously, in my case, that hasn't been true," she said of "Idol" backlash. "I think tonight kind of proved that 'American Idol' can transcend the talent-show stereotype it has. It's just great talent on the show that couldn't get discovered doing what they were doing. It certainly worked for me."
The other subject proved more uncomfortable, when one reporter asked what she felt about the Dixie Chicks not just winning big Sunday night but "giving the finger" to the country-music world, much of which had rejected them after their 2003 criticism of President Bush for the war in Iraq.
Underwood scrunched her face up a little and said, meekly, "Next question, please. I don't like talking about anyone giving the finger."
Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith was a bit torn about losing to the Dixie Chicks for album of the year: He played on the country trio's winning album.
"I was hoping they wouldn't win for this album, because the guys would be mad at me," he said, turning to his three bandmates backstage.
But singer Anthony Kiedis also confessed that he would rather have lost to Gnarls Barkley. "We've been on tour with them and have gotten to know them and they're fresh and interesting," he said. "It would have been cool to lose to them."
Mary J. Blige elaborated on her remarks from the stage about having been in a valley before reaching her peak, discussing the initial desire of her record company to release a greatest hits album rather than this one of new material. That was a real low point for her. "In the valley, that's where you find out where you really are. That's why we have a peak right now."
Any doubts that she was in a thankful mood were banished when she won the first award given out on the telecast. Rushing as the music played, she acknowledged 55 people by name. "I did two days of trying to remember everyone," she said.
Irma Thomas, whose "After the Rain" was named best contemporary blues album of the year, told reporters that she shared the award with the people of her hometown, New Orleans. "They were pulling for me," she said. "When I win, they all win."
She wasn't even put out that, after nearly five decades of acclaimed blues and R&B performances, it took disaster to draw the attention of the Recording Academy her way.
"I don't care what it took!" she said. "I got one! I am just pleased and tickled, and you don't understand how it is when you work.... This is my 49th year and I've been at it a long time — and though I didn't have to have it, after all that work, [to say] I am a Grammy winner, it's a wonderful thing."
After his performance and win for best pop vocal album, John Mayer changed back into the tux he'd worn for the red carpet arrival. But he did away with a lot of formalities in his chat, responding lightheartedly to questions, including addressing his reputation as being an ideal Grammy-appeal artist for his traditional music leanings, guitar dexterity and, of course, good looks and charm.
"That would entail externalizing in a way I don't like to do any more," he said, refusing to analyze that status. "I've managed to make better work because I've managed to shut down the radar as to why. That stuff is none of my business. I live a quieter life in my head. I don't try to get into other peoples' heads any more."
Resplendent in a lavender sequined suit that Prince might kill for, Ike Turner stood with son Ike Jr., discussing his first Grammy in more than three decades and first for anything done without ex-wife Tina — "Risin' With the Blues," produced and engineered by the younger Ike.
Though known in the past for confidence bordering on arrogance, Ike Sr. confessed that he had trepidations about being up for this award in the category of best traditional blues album.
"It means a lot to me, but I was afraid," he said. "It's not that I didn't want to win. I was just really nervous."
As for the suit, he smiled and said he got it at "the pawn shop."
There was an odd study in contrasts when quartet Third Day was in the press room discussing its win for contemporary gospel album and Lewis Black was seen and heard (on headphone only, fortunately) accepting his comedy album award on the pre-telecast segment being sent by closed circuit — with a few well-placed expletives.
Black seemed a bit taken aback not just that he won (for "The Carnegie Hall Performance") but also that comedians are honored at all. "You guys do [stuff]," he said, addressing the audience of music professionals. "You play music. I just yak. I wanted to play music. I wanted to play piano, but my piano teacher had arthritis. That really sets you back."
Young singer-guitarist Jonny Lang was, appropriately, humble about his win for rock or rap gospel album — coming in his first foray into the field after growing up as a blues-rock performer.
"I guess I didn't expect to be nominated in this category," he said. "I don't consider this album to be as much of a gospel record as the others in this category. I'm a little confused about the whole process. I don't know how they pick the nominees. But I was very happy because I was able to share what's in my heart pertaining to me about my relationship with God."
Tony Bennett, though gracious and elegant as always, had some sharp advice for the contemporary music business:
"I've become a live performer most of the time, and I sing to the audience and that's the best way to learn," he said, celebrating the traditional pop win for his star-studded "Duets: An American Classic," which marked his recent 80th birthday. "Sing to the audience. Listen to the audience. Marketing people have ideas they keep floating, but they're trying to do something contemporary — and then it's gone. When you listen to the audience, they will tell you what they like and that's what's great about it. Giving them what they want. I wish some of the big corporations would be smart enough instead of telling the audience what they want."
About the number "Coming Home," which he sang on the show, John Legend said, "I was happy to do the song. It shows that a lot of artists care about the soldiers in Iraq and how artists feel about a misguided policy decision that puts their lives at risk."
Maybe next year there will be a category for best ring tone. Rap solo performance winner T.I. would like that. Discussing the success of "What You Know" and other songs from his album "King," he seemed more focused on the telephonic usage than on CD sales or radio play. "Honestly, you can make more money off of ring tones than off album sales," he said. "Millions."
Ludacris, whose "Release Therapy" won the Grammy for best rap album, was thrilled. "This is pretty much the best day of my life," he told reporters. "I made it a point when I made this album: 'I want to win a Grammy.' "
Also elated was Robyn Troup, who got to sing onstage with Justin Timberlake and T.I. after winning the "My Grammy Moment" online contest.
"What happened to me is the most amazing thing that ever happened," said the Houston native. She called it the "greatest experience of my life."
And Sunday was her 19th birthday.
The "My Grammy Moment" contest invited singers from across the country to submit tapes. The videos were posted online, and viewers cast ballots to narrow the list to three finalists. The winner was announced during the ceremony — by Jennifer Hudson, a former "American Idol" contestant who is now an Academy Award nominee for "Dreamgirls."