THE GRAMMYS OR THE GRIMEY’S?

Allen Johnston

aj@asha.com 

Can someone please explain why the Grammy’s still exist? At this point, the awards feel like a relic—a self-congratulatory spectacle completely disconnected from the reality of today’s music industry. The Grammy’s don’t reflect what people are actually listening to, sharing, or downloading. It’s as if streaming platforms, social media, and the internet itself don’t even register in their decision-making. 

Remember when winning a Grammy actually meant something? When an award could guarantee a massive sales boost and stores would plaster "Grammy Nominee" stickers on CDs weeks in advance? Those days are long gone. Now, a Grammy win might earn an artist a few extra headlines, but it doesn’t move the needle like it used to. So what’s the point? 

Who Really Wins? 

The answer is simple: the Recording Academy. The Grammy’s are a cash cow for NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences), generating more revenue than any other event or service they offer. The show isn’t about celebrating music—it’s about ratings, sponsorships, and industry politics. 

What Do They Win? 

A trophy, a fleeting moment of applause, and maybe a temporary ego boost. But in an era where success is measured by viral moments, TikTok trends, and global streaming numbers, does a Grammy still hold weight? Or is it just an insider’s pat on the back? 

Take Herbie Hancock’s 2008 Album of the Year win for River: The Joni Letters. A brilliant artist, no doubt—but did anyone actually hear that album on the radio? Was it dominating playlists or sparking cultural conversations? Hancock himself acknowledged the rarity of a jazz artist winning, paying tribute to legends like Miles Davis and John Coltrane who never got the recognition they deserved. But the win felt less like a triumph and more like a belated apology. 

What Is There to Gain? 

For the industry, it’s business. For the artists, it’s validation from an increasingly irrelevant institution. For the fans? Nothing but another televised ceremony full of performances that will be forgotten by next week. 

The Grammy’s refuse to evolve. They cling to outdated metrics while ignoring how people consume music today. If you still think the awards matter, ask yourself: Are you tuning in because you care, or because you’ve been conditioned to believe prestige matters more than impact? 

The truth is, the Grammy’s aren’t about music—they’re about the machine. And until that changes, they’ll keep feeling less like the Grammy’s and more like the Grimey’s.