“Bad Romance” was undeniably snubbed of a general field nomination. But I could also see panelists being petty and comparing it to “Poker Face” the year before. “Shallow” came at an awkward time.

“The job of the newspaper is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable,” goes the old journalist’s mantra. I believe in it, but I’d suggest it’s also the job of the musician to do the same.

I don’t think there is a sentiment that Gaga is overdue for anything. Her album hasn’t done much, and outside of DWAS (which already lost a major Grammy), I don’t think there is this urge to award her ...