“The Grammys are like musical Christmas,” explains virtuoso soul singer Anthony Hamilton, who knows of what he speaks. With this year’s Grammy Awards, Hamilton receives his twelfth nominations, for Best R&B Album (for his acclaimed 2012 album “Back To Love”) and Best R&B Song (for his track “Pray For Me”). In 2009 he took home a win for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for “You’ve Got The Love I Need,” his moving collaboration with R&B legend Al Green.
Despite being a Grammy veteran at this point, Hamilton claims getting nominated never gets old. “It feels consistently good every time,” he notes. “It’s that stamp that I’ve been welcomed into the big league.” Here’s how Hamilton intends to tackle music’s biggest night out.
What’s the first thing you’ll do when you wake up on Grammy day?
I’m going to thank God and bless my path like I always do. I’ll also check on my kids. They won’t be coming with me, so I’ll call back East to make sure they’re fine; then I can enjoy the rest of the night!
Do you have a good-luck charm?
I have one necklace that has Jesus on it. I kiss it and tell Jesus I love him.
Are you going to tweet during the event?
I may tweet a few times here and there. I’ll be checking out the outfits, looking to see if Lady Gaga is wearing a tall building or something.
Who are you afraid you might forget to thank if you win?
I have to thank my kids, my wife, and [producer] Mark Sparks who got me started in the business. As well, my record label, RCA, might get grumpy if I left them out!
Who is your date for the ceremony?
My wife. I also have a hip-hop artist I work with, Ed D. Kane, who I’m bringing.
What other nominee do you most want to meet and why?
Bruce Springsteen – I’d love to meet him; I’m a big fan of his. Lady Gaga would be cool, too, and Ben Harper.
How will you celebrate?
After awards shows, we normally go to Prince’s house for a jam session and get down! You can’t play around – it’s the hardest karaoke ever. He even has a machine that displays the lyrics! It’s always a good time.
Can’t-miss L.A. Hotspot?
Chateau Marmont, always, and I’ll go by SkyBar for old times sake. As well, in Studio City, there’s Firefly. If you go in there, you might come out a whole other person!
What’s your celebratory cocktail of choice?
I like champagne – I recently had a Napa brut that was one of the best I’ve ever had. I also like this red Malbec called Cigar Box, and whiskey, too – Jameson is pretty good to me!
What’s the party not to miss?
The official Grammy after party has good food and people walking on stilts. I’ll also go to the Sony BMG party, with all the people I work with. That’s where my peers and team champion all who made my Grammy nomination possible.
What are you wearing to the Grammys?
I’m not really sure what I’m wearing, but there are a few pieces I’m thinking about – I’m a big All Saints fan, and Billy Reed, too. I’m working with two great stylists, Steven Kinlock and Pamela Watson; we’ll see what they come up with. I’ll make sure my gear is tight.
For you, what would be the worst possible wardrobe malfunction?
Wow, maybe if my butt cheeks fall out or something! Or if my zipper and drawers opened up at same time. I might get more ratings, but… I’d also hate to be on the red carpet with pookie lips and no chapstick – that could be detrimental
Previous ‘My Grammy Ritual’: Hunter Hayes | The Lumineers