Some Grammy Picks From Parents

I love awards season - especially when it comes to the red carpet. It’s the one time of the year we get a free pass to be completely catty and judgmental while curled up on our couches drinking wine and eating bags of Twix bars.

No red carpet is more gloriously cringe-inducing than that at the Grammy Awards, which will have music fans trembling with excitement Sunday night.

I’m looking forward to three things – Katy Perry shooting something flammable out of her bra, Kanye West – if he shows up – talking irrationally about things like his silverware watching him at night, and Lady Gaga pouncing around in a dress made of Crisco and gorilla hair.

To see what other music fans have to say about this weekend’s Grammys, I turned to two local pop culture experts: Jen Myers, y98 music director, member of the Phillips and Company morning show and mother to a 20-month-old son; and John Carney of the Fresh 102.5 morning show and father to four, ages 1, 2, 12 and 15.

Album of the Year: Arcade Fire – The Suburbs, Lady Gaga – The Fame Monster, Eminem – Recovery, Katy Perry – Teenage Dream, Lady Antebellum – Need You Now

My pick: Eminem – I love the Canadian indie group Arcade Fire. I mean, seriously, how can you not love a band featuring members that play the glockenspiel and the hurdy-gurdy? That said, I have a feeling Recovery will be the clear winner. People love a comeback story, and Eminem confronts his demons and celebrates his salvation on the album.

Myers’ pick: Lady Gaga– This category is always the wild card...a lot of times the frontrunners cancel each other out and the one you'd least expect wins (Steely Dan, anyone?)  I don't think Arcade Fire can pull it off, and Lady Antebellum could be the surprise win. I think it's Lady Gaga's night, and I can't wait to see how she tops her meat dress!

Carney's Pick: Katy Perry - I'm liking Katy Perry's chances. Not only is she a strong presence in music, but she's showing a lot of diversity with her acting (minus the risqué Sesame Street apprearance). I think the addition of Snoop to the California Gurlz cut bridged the pop/hip hop devide that has come back up - not unlike the Aerosmith/Run DMC thing back in the '90s.

Update 2/13: Our panel struck out with this one! Arcade Fire took this Grammy home.

Song of the Year: Eminem & Rihanna – “Love The Way You Lie,” Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs – “Beg Steal or Borrow,” Miranda Lambert – “House That Built Me,” Cee Lo Green – “F--- You,” Lady Antebellum – “Need You Now”

My pick: Eminem & Rihanna – I have a mad, mad crush on crooner Ray LaMontagne so it breaks my heart to say I see Eminem winning again. However, “Love the Way You Lie” managed to conjure up a ton of controversy last year with its violence-laden video and its exploration of the dark side of relationships. Though I think it would be pretty cool if Cee Lo Green’s “F--- You” won just so a dirty word would have to be engraved on a Grammy.

Myers’ pick: Cee Lo Green - Cee Lo Green's "F--- You" was the biggest song that no one played this year. The song's been given a second life, thanks to Glee, and I think it could surprise everyone and win big on Sunday. If not, count on Lady Antebellum.

Carney's Pick: Lady Antebellum - They have shown some effortless crossover from country to pop (not that there's such a fine there anyway). I think the lyrics are smart and the music sticks in your head. Enough with Lady Gaga!

Update 2/13: Carney picked winner Lady Antebellum, also one of the big winners of the night.

Best New Artist: Justin Bieber, Mumford & Sons, Esperanza Spalding, Drake, Florence + The Machine

My pick: Florence + The Machine – Two years ago, I discovered Lungs, the amazing debut album from British group Florence + The Machine, and I’ve been jumping on my bed while singing into a hairbrush to it ever since. I think the whole album is brilliant – from the mainstream pop hit “Dog Days Are Over” to the tongue-in-cheek, pushed-to-the-brink anthem, “Kiss With a Fist.”

Myers’ Pick: Drake – This award isn't the greatest predictor of future success (Cyndi Lauper beat Madonna in this category, if you remember). Most people who have Bieber fever also are not in the voting academy. As much as I'd love to see Florence + The Machine or Mumford & Sons win, I think it goes to Drake.

Carney's Pick: Justin Beiber - I'm not sure how Justin Beiber got in this one, but since he is, I think we have our winner. Love him or hate him, this kid has captured the American public's interest like no one has in quite some time. I'm not sure we need his autobiography before he gets his driver's license, but the people have spoken.

Update 2/13: Few predicted the winner for this award: Esperanza Spalding.

So, come on, pop parents – play along? Who are you rooting for on Sunday night? Any performance you’re particularly excited about?

By Nicole Plegge, Lifestyle Blogger for SmartParenting