Of the acts up for the “Best New Artist” Grammy, Keri Hilson was the only proven, top-tier hitmaker. MGMT, meanwhile, was the only one with a significant reputation in the influential online/hipster/alternative music community.
The other nominees–the Zac Brown Band, the Ting Tings and Silversun Pickups–all have successful singles to their credit but ultimately do not rival Hilson and MGMT when it comes to music industry impact.
Nonetheless, it was country’s Zac Brown Band that took home the prize, returning the Grammy to the country world after two years in the realm of modern British soul (Amy Winehouse and Adele).
The last country act to win the award was Carrie Underwood in 2007.
