A Check Off My Bucket List: Going to the Grammys
Growing up as a kid, I always dreamed of becoming a singer. Watching artists like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Janet Jackson who commanded any stage with a fiery presence, were the type of performers I aspired to be like. Naturally over the years, my dream changed from a singer to a music journalist, but I always knew I had to be in the industry in some shape or form. Music always played a major part of my life, from getting my first piano on Christmas Day, to performing in college open mic sessions, to even meeting Raphael Saadiq in a club! However, the one thing I always wanted to do was attend the Grammys – music’s biggest night! Well, after residing in Los Angeles for nearly two years, my dream of mingling with entertainment royalty came true this past weekend. As someone who attends plenty of concerts year round, going to an award show is a pretty big deal. So when the opportunity came around to go to the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, I jumped at the chance. One of my colleagues had the ultimate plug and the next thing you know, I was on my way to be surrounded by some of the world’s biggest stars. Yes, everyone knows the Grammy Awards is a super exclusive shindig, but like I always say, ‘This is LA, you can always find a way!’
A million questions were running through my mind the entire weekend leading up to Sunday. What am I going to wear? What if I meet Jay Z? Am I going to be seated next to Bruno Mars? (Another life goal, but a story for another day). On Sunday morning, I figured out the proper ‘so fresh and so clean’ threads to wear and made my way over to the Staples Center.
As I walked into the arena and saw everyone dressed in their finest gowns and suits, it felt surreal that I was going to watch the Grammys in person, with hopes that one of my relatives might see me on TV!
As I walked to my seat, little did I know that the Recording Academy makes sure every seat in Staples Center is accounted for – that’s right, there were fans sitting in the nose bleeds! Luckily for me, I was able to snag a floor seat in the 11th row. I couldn’t believe I was sitting a few rows behind gospel legend Shirley Caesar and three rows ahead of rapper Paul Wall. Yes, I was little disappointed I wasn’t sitting next to Bruno, but the seats were EVERYTHING! However, the best thing about attending the Grammys is realizing you’re watching a non-stop concert. As a music fan, what else could I ask for?
I couldn’t wait to see some of my favorite artists take the stage right in front of me. Chance The Rapper brought the gospel, Anderson Paak brought the message, Beyonce brought the visual, and Bruno Mars brought the timeless sound for the world to see. Everything from Morris Day and The Time leading the Prince tribute to Pentatonix showing off their killer a cappella skills, were moments that make me have a deeper appreciation for music.
Besides enjoying the eclectic performances, celebrities were passing by me left and right. Artists such as Nick Jonas, Halsey, Ed Sheeran, and Skrillex were all catching my attention. However, the one person that took my breath away as she walked by was Rihanna. She had this glowing aura and commanding presence about her that left me speechless. She exudes this type of confidence that everyone should possess. The type in which you walk into any room and completely own it. I’m constantly working on that type of confidence for myself, but for right now I’m calling it the “Rihanna Effect.”
Attending the Grammys helped me realize that your dreams are always attainable. Chance The Rapper made history as an independent artist – he helped petition to change the Grammy nomination process last year and ended up walking away with three wins on Sunday. I’m sure young Chano always dreamed of not only winning a Grammy, but also performing at the big show, and he accomplished it all. It was always my dream to work in the entertainment industry since I was a kid. After attending music’s biggest night, that experience proves that LA will always be a city of opportunity. Who knows, maybe next year you’ll see Mya Melody interviewing some of her favorite artists on the Grammy red carpet!
