How the Grammy nominations sidestepped Lana Del Rey’s F-bomb
Lana Del Rey’s “Norman F—ing Rockwell!” didn’t shy away from expletives, but the 2020 Grammy nominations announcers sure did.
The first test arrived when singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha read the list of nominees Wednesday for song of the year. “Always Remember Us This Way,” “Bad Guy,” “Bring My Flowers Now,” “Hard Place” and “Lover” came and went smoothly, and then came the moment of truth: “Norman Effin’ Rockwell.”
“I was wondering if you were going to say that,” host Gayle King said with an anxious laugh, referring to the song title’s F-bomb. “Thank you for not.”
“I got yelled at backstage already,” Rexha joked. “They’re like, ‘Don’t you dare!’”
2020 Grammy nominations complete list: See who’s up for what
Lizzo, Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X lead the 2020 Grammys nominations list.
Behind the pair, the provocative title track on Del Rey’s latest album appeared on the screen: “Norman F***ing Rockwell.”
The announcement occurs around the 27-minute mark in the video below.
Del Rey’s fellow nominees for song of the year include Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Tanya Tucker, H.E.R., Taylor Swift, Lewis Capaldi and Lizzo. Del Rey also nabbed a nod for album of the year.
The Grammy Awards will air live from Staples Center in Los Angeles on Jan. 26. Alicia Keys will return as host.
Lizzo led the field with eight nominations; Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X each received six. Lizzo and Eilish were both nominated in all four major categories.
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