VOICEBOX with David Coury

Fierce Ladies Night

February 1st, 2010

At last night’s GRAMMY AWARDS Pink sang in beautiful, connected fashion while in the air, twirling and hanging upside down. Beyonce marched, danced and strutted on two stages without sacrificing the vocal performance. So it can be done — marry tremendous show-value with a live vocal that has integrity. Lady Gaga didn’t fare as well but is capable. She needs to work on her breath control with Pink and Beyonce as her role models in the stamina category. The one thing that Gaga did provide in the show’s opening number was a sweet moment, albeit an unintentional one. When Elton John was revealed and opened his mouth to duet on her “Speechless,” the immediate difference in quality between the two artists was, well…it left you speechless. His rich, unique voice and take on Gaga’s song made it a better song. And to make matters even worse/better, they threw in an homage to Elton’s “Your Song,” which only highlighted what’s not quite there in her current catalog because she was more effective on his song. Still, it was a great stab at straddling musicianship and kitsch. Beyonce and Pink are in total shape and showed up to sing. A fierce lesson for all those ladies waiting in the wings or ones who are out there and think/say they already do this.

Entry Filed under: DC LIVE