Beyonce vs. Adele at music’s biggest night

LOS ANGELES - The music world gathers Monday for the Grammys with the top awards a choice between a new, edgier Beyonce and the time-tested heartache ballads of Adele. The televised bash from Los Angeles, which kicks off at 0100 GMT Monday, could also have political fireworks as many artists are outspoken critics of US President Donald Trump. But the enduring picture from the Grammys may turn out to be Beyonce, who is expected to make her first public appearance since revealing that she is pregnant with twins. Beyonce leads the Grammys with nine nominations and could win the most prestigious awards for the first time - Album of the Year for “Lemonade” and Record of the Year for her song “Formation.” “Lemonade,” which Beyonce intertwined with a film, marked a new direction for the pop superstar as she dabbled in hip-hop, hard rock and even country. Beyonce faces competition in the main categories from Adele, who proved her enduring, massive commercial popularity by sticking to her style of wrenching ballads. The English singer is nominated for her ubiquitous song “Hello” and her album “25,” which has been the world’s top-seller since her “21,” which also triumphed at the Grammys. Adele is scheduled to sing at the Grammys - a year after her performance was marred by a falling microphone, which hit the piano and caused her voice to veer jarringly out of tune. Other artists who stand a chance to win the most Grammys include Toronto rapper Drake, R&B superstar Rihanna and the hip-hop celebrity fixture Kanye West. Drake has been nominated for “Views,” his blockbuster collection of dance-ready tracks, and for “Work,” his lusty collaboration with Rihanna. Dark horses for Album of the Year include “A Sailor’s Guide to Earth” by Sturgill Simpson, who has given some intellectual heft to country music through lyricism inspired by Buddhist philosophy. Justin Bieber was nominated for “Purpose,” in a surprise nod for the Canadian singer often more associated with tabloid exploits. Chance the Rapper, 23, is a favorite to win Best New Artist amid acclaim for his gospel-infused hip-hop. The Chicago artist benefited from updated rules that consider streaming exclusives. - AFP