GRAMMY COULD USE A MOON SHOT

We hope the solons of the Recording Academy tuned into MTV’s Video Music Awards, because that vibrant spectacle was just the medicine for what ails Grammy.

More than anything, what the VMAs chose to nominate and reward were key: You can only make a show, after all, with what you've got to work with. In this case, you had a highly inclusive list of the biggest, most influential artists in the marketplace.

The youthquake energy, musical relevance and (most of all) fun of the VMAs are reflected not only in the awards—which went to some of the biggest culture-movers in all genres—but also in the loose, celebratory vibe and blazing performances. The most-current global forms were front and center, while the more nostalgic moments were thoughtfully curated.

Taylor Swift’s bonanza of trophies and camera time—her superfan responses to other performers set the tone—accurately reflected the moment. The recognition of (among others) SZA, Ice Spice, Nicki Minaj, KAROL G, Rema (with Selena Gomez), Roman rock revelers Måneskin and K-poppers TOMORROW X TOGETHER, meanwhile, artfully acknowledged the worldwide shapers of pop culture.

The show boasted unquestionably strong programming (courtesy of exec producers Bruce Gillmer and Jesse Ignjatovic as well as Barb Bialkowski, Alicia Portugal, Jackie Barba, Wendy Plaut, Lisa Lauricella and team). But the essential ingredient was the enthusiastic buy-in of the winners and performers, whose buzzy joy was palpable. “This is so cool,” said Ice Spice upon receiving her Best New Artist trophy. And honestly? It was.

Rather than repairing to their chambers to anoint their pals’ pet projects (while telling themselves it’s all about “merit”), the denizens of Grammyland might profitably ponder how the VMAs hit the bull's-eye—and how to give their own awards a bit of that juice.