February 21, 2001

Posted February 21, 2001

She's done it again! Joni's Grammy collection increased in size tonight at the 43rd annual Grammy Awards, as she took home her well-deserved "Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album" honors for the Both Sides Now CD. Arranger/Conductor Vince Mendoza won as well, in the "Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying A Vocalist(s)" category for "Both Sides Now" (this award is given for singles or specific tracks). Although the "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" Grammy went to Macy Gray, we have plenty to be happy about!

Joni's win wasn't televised, but viewers got to see her present the "Record of the Year" award with Carlos Santana, which went to U2 for "Beautiful Day." Dressed in a green Issey Miyake gown that she'd also worn on some of the Both Sides Now tour stops, Joni was in a mischievous mood as she walked out and announced "Well, the great Carlos Santana and I are really representing all the other teen acts tonight!" After a gracious Santana took the opportunity to say that it was "a joy and an honor to be here, and to be next to the gifted and talented Joni Mitchell," Joni was ready to get down to business. "Well, enough of all this mutual admiration," she said, returning the compliment: "Carlos, I sincerely love your work." Finished announcing the nominees, Carlos ripped the envelope open as Joni peered over his shoulder. "And the award goes to... John Coltrane!" they announced in near unison, laughing. No, no, "U2 for 'Beautiful Day,'" Carlos quickly added as they stepped back from the microphone giggling, making way for the band and Producer Daniel Lanois at the podium. Joni presented Bono with the award, giving him and The Edge a quick congratulatory smooch before moving off to the side. I wonder if she put Carlos up to that one.