The end of January not only comes with an array of broken new year’s resolutions, it is also accompanied by award season. As probably the most nerve-wracking time of year for entertainers, this is the moment they wait for their entire careers. Winning a high-profile award gives performers a stamp of credibility that not only drives up their net worth, but solidifies their place in music history.

On Feb. 10 in Los Angeles, California, Alicia Keys hosted the 61st Grammy Awards. Keys paid homage to the late jazz musician, Hazel Scott, as she played two grand pianos at the same time.

The Grammy Awards was filled with incredible performances, sarcastic remarks and special appearances by public figures, including Michelle Obama, Diana Ross and Beyonce.

2018 was a great year for music as artist including Chloe x Halle, Lady Gaga, Miguel, The Carters, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Childish Gambino and H.E.R released songs that topped the charts. One of the biggest come ups of 2018 was the rise of Cardi B. Her 2017 summer smash hit “Bodak Yellow” took the nation by storm, and a year later she released her debut album, “Invasion of Privacy.” Cardi not only graced the Grammy stage to perform, but she also made history by becoming the first female rap artist to win rap album of the year.

While having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar or a Tony looks great on your resume, it does not define, diminish or rectify the quality of your craft. Cardi received a hefty amount of backlash following her win as many hecklers believed that Young Money veteran Nicki Minaj was more deserving of the title. From there sparked a discussion about the true value of an award.

North Carolina native J.Cole jumped into the conversation saying that he has no hard feelings when it comes to not winning any mainstream awards. Cole ended his Twitter rant with a quote that said, “My heart is at ease knowing that what was meant for me will never miss me, and that what misses me was never meant for me.”

This brings up the question for many pop culture lovers, “What is the value in these award shows?” Reportedly there were less than 20 million viewers that watched the Grammy Awards. These numbers get lower and lower every year, and it seems as if it is largely because the interest is no longer there. In an age where streaming services are the norm and commercial breaks are not, broadcast media is losing its audience.

Twenty years ago, award shows were the people’s way of figuring out who or what would be hot for the next year. Now that there is such an influx in entertainment, the interest of the general public has become very niche, and with no signs of these markets broadening, it is fair to question the lifespan of award shows over the next few years.