Who Really Deserved the Grammy?

Who Really Deserved the Grammy?

There has been lots discussion about Alicia Keys' Grammy sweep in 2002 and India Arie going home empty-handed despite seven nominations.

Alicia Keys remains one of three Black women to win five Grammys in one night. The simple answer is that the Grammy winner obviously had the better record.

Here’s why:

Alicia Keys was signed to Clive Davis, while India Arie was signed to Motown. Clive Davis hosts a Pre-Grammy party every year; he is essentially synonymous with the Grammys. Imagine being backed by the man who introduced Whitney Houston to the world.

While India Arie’s album was good, and personal opinions may vary on what influenced the winner decision, Alicia Keys’ debut is more celebrated and has aged well in public perception.

"Songs in A Minor" is in the National Recording Registry, the highest acknowledgment an album can receive. Some even consider it her best album (though others might disagree).

While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, one artist now has 16 Grammys, while the other has four.

Alicia Keys wrote and produced her first album starting at the age of 14, saying that “colorism” is what earned her 5 Grammys in one night is disrespecting the talent that she has. We have to get over India Arie not winning those Grammys that night. You win some, you lose all.

Grammys should be to flaunt talent and recognition, An artist should be honored that their work has been acknowledged by the Recording Academy. Alicia Keys had to better record, and that’s okay.

I encourage you ro listen to both albums in full, or at least their singles. And take into consideration the record labels they were both signed to, and who had more push.