Have Award Shows Lost It's Luster?

Awards season is in full swing and The Daily Urban has posted an article on "5 Reasons Why Award Shows Need to End"; I agree with most of what the writer had to say. However, I don't think ending award shows solves the issues of watching a some times three hours show of predictable winners, manufactured moments, and increasingly boring performances. It also seems like more has been put into these productions over recent years, more dancers accompanying a music set, more lighting and special effects, but a lot less 'wow' factors and genuine memorable moments. I believe celebrating an artist's work or achievements by acknowledging them in a mass flashbulb televised stage is fine; it's not necessary but fits the industry of this type of artistry. The 1980's award shows was filled with amazing talents, show stopping performances, and unforgettable moments; as well the 90's. The last 'wow' moment I recall from an awards show was in 2003 when Micheal Jackson surprised James Brown presenting him with a lifetime achievement award (you can watch the video inside); at that moment I asked myself the question "can it get any better than this?" and it looks like the answer is no. The Daily Urban points out..."the least they can do is not insult our time and viewership by giving us lackluster, predictable shows.... the ceremonies get worse and worse from show to show. Don’t get me wrong, there are some dope moments, but they are too few and far between." Do you agree? Read more from the article inside...

This topic of conversation includes every aspect of an award show, including the host/ chosen comedians for the event....The Daily Urban writer goes on to comment on Kevin Hart..."who hosted the 2012′s VMAs, and I pretty much watched the whole thing in anticipation that he would give me a gut-busting, knee slapping monologue, but there I sat, pure crickets. What gives? He was hee-larry-us when he hosted the BET Awards back in June, but I get it, I get it. The awards must be suited for the masses, but c’mon. It all seems so forced. That balance between being too Def Comedy Jam and too Disney is a hard balance to establish, and no one ever really seems to get it right anymore. What’s even worse is when these award shows make out ears and eyes cringe with the flavor of the month comedians who aren’t all that funny to begin with." Read more at Daily Urban.

Michael Jackson - James Brown (BET Awards) 2003