As it enters Season 11, "American Idol" has become a force to be reckoned with. At the 2012 Grammy Awards, and in addition to three nominations and the scheduled presentations and appearances of "Idol" artists (and a host), it was to an "Idol" alum the producers of the Grammys turned at the last minute to pay tribute to the late Whitney Houston.
"American Idol" has not only become a part of the fabric of American television, but it has also become a established part of the rich multi-faceted tapestry that is the music industry. The show has launched and revitalized dozens of careers and its continuing contribution to pop culture was nowhere more evident than at the 2012 Grammy Awards that were held in Los Angeles Sunday evening.
Who could have foreseen that it would be a seventh place finalist from Season 3 that would get the last-minute call to perform a tribute for the late pop icon Whitney Houston? The news of her untimely death shook the world and the Grammy Awards producers knew that they would have to do something to acknowledge Houston's life, career, and achievements. Jennifer Hudson, who performed two of Houston's songs in her quest for the "American Idol" title in 2006 and who counts Houston as one of her singing inspirations, was tapped by the the show's producers to pay tribute. She did so by rendering a very soulful, even sombre, version of Whitney Houston's biggest hit song, "I Will Always Love You" from The Bodyguard soundtrack.
But Hudson's presence was an unplanned addition to the night's celebration of the best in music for the calendar year 2011. "American Idol" would have been well represented regardless.
Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson was performed her hit, "Don't You Wanna Stay," with Jason Aldean. Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood was scheduled to sing "It Had To Be You" with the legendary Tony Bennett, who won two 2012 Grammys for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album (Duets II) and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance ("Body and Soul" with Amy Winehouse).
"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest was given the honor of introducing The Beach Boys, a bunch of American idols themselves gearing up for their 50th anniversary tour.
And "Idol" alums were nominated for 2012 Grammy Awards as well. Back in November, fans of Clarkson, Underwood, and Season 5 finalist Mandisa each found out they were up for an award. Unfortunately, not one of them would walk away with one of the coveted gramophone trophies.
Carrie Underwood, a five-time Grammy winner, was nominated in the Best Solo Country Performance category for "Mama's Song." She lost to Taylor Swift's hit "Mean."
Kelly Clarkson, a two-time Grammy winner, was nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Jason Aldean for the aforementioned "Don't You Wanna Stay." The award was presented to The Civil Wars for their hit "Barton Hollow."
Mandisa, who finished ninth during Season 5 of "American Idol," received her third career Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for her latest, What If We Were Real. Chris Tomlin's And If Our God Is For Us... took home the prize.
Since its inception, "American Idol" has been the jump-off for many successful careers, from Broadway to television to music. It has made an indelible mark on television history, having garnered the No. 1 most-watched series title for seven consecutive television seasons. All told, artists from the show have been nominated 41 times, winning nine times (five of those have been by Carrie Underwood).
(photo credit: Keith Hinkle, Creative Commons)
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