Michael Jackson: Artist of the Year (?!)

Award shows are pretty lousy, demoralizing affairs. This is particularly true of music award shows that regularly seem to be about 10 years behind the prevailing (good) tastes of their time. They can count record sales, sure, but when it comes to choosing music that deserves recognition, they regularly fail in breathtaking fashion.

The American Music awards have finally done something that is even shocking for a music awards show: nominate Michael Jackson for "Artist of the Year."

Regardless of what you think about Jackson -- many love him, I could not care less -- the only thing he accomplished this year was dying (though, apparently, he was likely killed by his quack, according to police investigating the case). Is that all it takes to get an award now? I can think of a long list of artists who I wish would explore this option.

Perhaps to make the matter even more absurd, Jackson's competition includes only one act with any merit whatsoever: The Kings of Leon. Other runners up for the honor are Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga(!) and Eminem. It's funny, I thought Eminem was Artist of 10 Years Ago. This can only be nomination by drunken dart throwing.

Apparently the AMA's thought they'd take a page out of the Joe Jackson playbook and exploit the singer's name for ratings and buzz.