India.Arie rebounds from last year’s blues

Last year, after all the winners were revealed, the speeches made, neo-soul singer India.Arie found herself forced to take a page from her own optimistic songbook.

Arie’s debut album, “Acoustic Soul,” brimmed with meditations on affirmation, resiliency and strength. So those became the very words she had to reflect on when the album, nominated for seven Grammys including best album and best new artist, was overlooked on awards night.

“Acoustic Soul” impressed the industry and fans alike with the artist’s self-assurance and poise, selling more than 1 million copies. It thrust her into pop’s broad spotlight and into a musical faceoff with the year’s other new incandescent light, Alicia Keys.

The loss crushed Arie, who, despite her efforts to stay focused and grounded in her craft, found herself caught up in competition. It took its toll -- physically and spiritually. Arie took refuge in Jamaica, where she worked to refocus and heal.

This year, her Motown follow-up “Voyage to India” garnered two Grammys, for best R&B; album and urban/alternative performance for “Little Things.” And Arie appeared redeemed and reborn in a shiny, slinky dress and a shaved head -- her trademark dreadlocks a memory. She shed them, she explained on Sunday, for spiritual reasons. All of it symbolic: Once you let go of the vanity, she said, “It feels good....”

-- Lynell George