
©AP Photo/Chris Pizzello
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- contemporary /kuhn-TEM-puh-rer-ee/
[adjective] – modern and relating to the present time
The festival featured contemporary music from new artists. - prominence /PROM-uh-nuhns/
[noun] – the state of being important or famous
The singer gained prominence after the viral performance. - esteemed /ih-STEEMD/
[adjective] – respected and admired
The artist joined an esteemed group of past winners. - momentum /moh-MEN-tuhm/
[noun] – the force that keeps something growing or moving quickly
The tour created momentum for the new album. - elevate /EL-uh-veyt/
[verb] – to raise or improve something
The award helped elevate the artist’s career.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean secured the Grammy Award for Best New Artist on Sunday during the ceremony in Los Angeles, marking a defining milestone in the career of the rising pop performer. The recognition followed the success of the romantic sophomore album “The Art of Loving,” which gained global attention through streaming platforms and live performances. The award is widely viewed as a significant industry signal because it highlights artists who have achieved a major breakthrough into public awareness. During the acceptance speech, Dean acknowledged immigrant heritage and emphasized gratitude toward family influences, a message that resonated strongly with audiences and fellow musicians. Several attendees wore protest pins related to U.S. immigration policy, underscoring the broader cultural context surrounding the event.
The Best New Artist category has long reflected the music industry’s effort to remain contemporary as fame expands through digital platforms and social media visibility. A screening committee evaluates whether nominees demonstrate sufficient prominence through releases, chart performance, and public recognition before eligibility is confirmed. This year introduced a rule allowing artists who contributed less than 20 percent of an Album of the Year nominee’s runtime to remain eligible, a change designed to maintain fairness amid increasingly collaborative music production. Dean’s win placed the singer among an esteemed group of past recipients whose careers experienced rapid momentum after the award. Analysts noted that the victory could significantly elevate global touring opportunities and future chart performance.
The Best New Artist category has long reflected the music industry’s effort to remain contemporary as fame expands through digital platforms and social media visibility. A screening committee evaluates whether nominees demonstrate sufficient prominence through releases, chart performance, and public recognition before eligibility is confirmed. This year introduced a rule allowing artists who contributed less than 20 percent of an Album of the Year nominee’s runtime to remain eligible, a change designed to maintain fairness amid increasingly collaborative music production. Dean’s win placed the singer among an esteemed group of past recipients whose careers experienced rapid momentum after the award. Analysts noted that the victory could significantly elevate global touring opportunities and future chart performance.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What music award celebrations have been seen in the community, if any? If so, how were they celebrated? If not, what events could be organized?
- What local music competitions have been seen in the community, if any? If so, who joined? If not, what could encourage participation?
- Should music awards influence public taste?
- How does social media change the meaning of “new artist”?
- Should award rules change frequently? Why or why not?
Summarization:
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- secure
- milestone
- attention
- category
- collaborative