The Willy Awards 2009

Yesterday morning, I got an email in my inbox from the Recording Academy that said to tune into CBS later that evening because they were going to announce this year's Grammy Nominations. Or to just check their website at 7pm, as they would post the list.

To win a Grammy Award is surely every musician's dream. It is one of the elite once-in-a-lifetime awards that you could possibly win. Granted, it's more about who you know than what you know in this game, but I thought "Hey, what if?". Right?

The past few months I tried to not think about it.

I tried to not think about what way I would celebrate if I did win.

I tried to not think about what gorgeous couture dress I would pick out to wear down the red carpet.

I tried to not think about how even just a plain nomination for this award would help throw my music into the hands of virgin ears across the world.

I tried to not think about how fun it would be for my Will (in a tuxedo) and I to sit next to my Mom and dad in the Kodak Theater all dolled up and watching artists like Beyonce, Taylor Swift, and Yo-Yo Ma.

Well, 6:45pm came. I just finished teaching my last lesson. I was already late for the Relief Society Progressive Dinner that started at 6:30pm. I thought "Heck, it wouldn't hurt to wait to leave until after 7pm so I can just check out the Grammy website really quick. I'm late already."

7:00pm came.

I checked out the website. And after an unearthly long list of nominations I had to scroll through, heart pounding very loudly in my chest while thinking "Will I see my name? Will I see my name?", I finally reached the category of "Best Musical Childrens Album".

And,

I did, in fact, not see my name.

Just then my neighbor knocked on the door and came in to see if I wanted to ride with her to Relief Society. I didn't even really have a second to swollow the realization that I really wasn't on there. I just grabbed my jacket and left.

All evening, as other women were talking and as I tried my hardest to go along with conversations, I couldn't help but yearn for just a moment to myself to think about this whole stupid Grammy thing. I had, afterall, tried really hard to not think about it for a long, long time. And gosh darnitt right then I really just needed to sulk about it for a second and then let go. But it wasn't exactly something I could answer to or explain as to my dumbfounded expression, or vague answers or interest in the topic of conversations.

"Um, yes, I'm sorry but I just found out that my latest album was not nominated for a Grammy Award. I'm fine, really I am. What were you saying?"

Alas, the evening ended, I came home. And as I approached our flight of 25 stairs leading up to our front door, I realized it was finally my first chance all evening to think about it.

I was really okay, really.

I mean, just because all of the other nominations were stupid, quirky, jumpy silly-song albums for kids didn't mean my classic orchestrated piano album of lullabies was no less good.

I mean, I don't need a stupid little trophy to feel justified as a talented musician, do I?

And as I reached the top step and went to grab the door handle, I noticed a piece of paper stuck to the front door. This is what it said...

"The Willy Awards 2009 Winners"

Album of the Year - The Lullaby Album, Jenni Thomas

Song of the Year - Preston's Song, Jenni Thomas

Best Duo Album - The Lullaby Album, Jenni Thomas & Carolyn Southworth

Best Children's Album - The Lullaby Album, Jenni Thomas

Best Orchestrated Album - The Lullaby Album, Jenni Thomas

Best Solo Piano Album - The Lullaby Album, Jenni Thomas

Best 2 CD-set Album - The Lullaby Album, Jenni Thomas

Best Mother/Daughter Album - The Lullaby Album, Jenni Thomas & Carolyn Southworth

Best Future Concept Album - Portraits, Jenni Thomas

Best Future Album Artwork - Portraits, Jenni Thomas & Ron Southworth

Hottest Looking Artist - Jenni Thomas

Best Artist/Musician/Composer/Mom/Wife - Jenni Thomas

My heart skipped a beat, and a huge (and I mean huge) smile came across my face. I flew the door open and found Will. All I could do was jump up and down and giggle.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I loved it! That was the most thoughtful thing...ever." I said as I squeezed him to death.

And so it is, that I did not win a Grammy Award this year, but I did win 12 different Willy Awards and frankly, that is far better than any Grammy ever. For reals.