Editorial
Kentucky Ledger Independent
Submitted: 1/19/2004
She has been called brassy and brash, tacky and trashy, both by the media and herself. In fact, her latest concert tour is entitled ‘Kiss My Brass.’
But let us go on the record as saying that singer and actress Bette Midler is one class act.
Midler was recently nominated for a Grammy Award for her Rosemary Clooney tribute CD, ‘Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook.’ But, much to Midler’s dismay, the recording will go up against the work of the late Clooney, ‘The Last Concert.’
Midler said she was ‘mortified’ after learning of the nomination and would prefer not to compete against Clooney, who did not win a Grammy during her long and distinguished career. Midler said she is looking into withdrawing from the competition. Winning would be bad form, she said.
Of course, there is no guarantee that either Clooney or Midler’s tribute to the Girl Singer will win the category which also includes nominees Barbra Streisand, Rod Stewart, Tony Bennet and k.d. lang, an all star line-up if ever there was one. But Clooney and Midler absolutely pose an equal threat of taking top honors among the group.
Having a tribute album and one by the actual singer compete in the same category is probably unprecedented, experts on the music award said. Having an artist who is willing to decline a nomination out of respect for another is equally so, we expect.
Here’s to Bette Midler who, win or lose at Grammy time, has certainly won a place in our hearts for her classy and honorable stand in this case. You certainly are Divine, Miss M.
