Still, I really enjoyed last night's show. From the very simple stage set-up to the honest and sincere-sounding acceptance speeches. I like the no-podium concept - requiring honorees to stand there and accept in all their glory with nothing to hide behind.
Steve Harvey, MC extrodinaire, has hosted every black award show for the last two years and was last night's chosen one as well. But hey, his days at the Apollo prepared him for this, and he's funny as hell sometimes!
He has this knack for great timing. Like when the Rock asked did Steve say something about his Mama, the look on Harvey's face and his gestures were so real it looked unrehearsed.
And his musical "battle" with Stevie Wonder later in the show had me rolling. He interacted well with presenters and honorees without showboating or prolonging the show. Again, whether due to Harvey's expertise or good editing it made for a good end product.
The show opener, a tribute to India.Arie by Stevie Wonder was really touching. It was obvious that the past few months have been tough on India - being passed on by just about every major award show this year. But I think it will make her a stronger artist and help reinforce that she's doing this because she loves the music, not because she wants a Grammy.
And you heard it here first - but I think when she drops her next CD, the stuffed shirts at the networks and academies will accept it no matter how it sounds, because now they realize they've passed up on the real McCoy and God forbid they should not embrace the next big thing!
Stevie did double duty last night because he was also called on to present the Essence award to Alicia Keys. After being serenaded by Roberta Flack, Alicia graciously accepted the award. I think she and India were overwhelmed by the love shown from the R&B/Soul vets.
But, I was looking for Roberta Flack to put a little more into "A Woman's Worth." Instead she was mostly drowned out by the background singers.
Among the honorees were:
Kenny Gamble - one half of the famed writing and producing duo, Gamble & Huff. Creators of the Phliadelphia Sound, Gamble & Huff are responsible for successful hits by most of today's veteran soul singers.
