IN DEFENSE OF A FELLOW ARTIST

Critics of Eminem have said it would be a stain on the Grammys to honor an artist whose music is so offensive. Calendar asked more than a dozen former winners for their opinions on the controversy. Of those who have a problem with Eminem, none would comment. Here are some of the other responses.

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From my standpoint, Eminem’s got the album of the year. The production is sensational, with lots of melody, and the lyrics are just amazing. He can squeeze so many words into a line, and his rhythmic ability is quite amazing. “Stan” is a great, brilliant track [from the album] that has been No. 1 all through Europe. It says everything about something we all go through as artists--dealing with fans being obsessive and crazy.

As a gay artist, I’m asked by a lot of people, “But what about the content of Eminem’s music?” I think there is far more humor on the album than people think. It appeals to my English black sense of humor.

When I put the album on the first time, I was in hysterics from laughing. We live in an age of political correctness where you can’t say this or that. I honestly don’t think people will go out and start beating and killing people because of this album.

ELTON JOHN

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What is the big deal about Eminem?

Since when is offensive language a reason for being unpopular?

I find the language of George W. much more offensive.

I find the hypocritical nature of most popular figures in our culture much more offensive.

I like the fact that Eminem is brash and angry and politically incorrect.

At least he has an opinion.

He’s stirring things up, he’s provoking a discussion, he’s making people’s blood boil.

He’s reflecting what’s going on in society right now.

That is what art is supposed to do.

And after all he’s just a boy.

Thank God he’s rebellious and not well-groomed.

He gets my vote.

Yours truly,

Mrs. Ritchie

MADONNA

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I don’t agree necessarily with every single thing that Eminem is saying--I may not even agree with a lot of it, but he’s a valid artist. “Stan” is a great song. Rap to me is a modern blues . . . a statement of how and where people are at.

For someone to say, this is a disgrace to the Grammys, come on. There was a time when blues was called a disgrace. I think art is a reflection of our society, and people don’t like to confront the realities in society. We dance forever around the issues, and [embrace] songs about unity and love. But until we really confront the truth, we are going to have a Tupac or Eminem or Biggie Smalls to remind us about it--and thank God. They force people to look at realities in society. That doesn’t mean their reflection is my reflection.

If someone wants to use a sample of one of my songs in a record that talks about women as “hos,” I won’t let them. That doesn’t mean I don’t like the rapper or that I don’t think some of the stuff isn’t funny. It’s just not who I am musically.

STEVIE WONDER

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I don’t think he’ll get a Grammy for best album.

The voters are too conservative. But if he did, it would be a good thing--the fact that the Grammys had that kind of vision. I don’t know from his work that he genuinely hates women or genuinely hates his mother, but I know that he’s funny. I can’t imagine people sit around the studio going, “You really made a serious statement about women, Em.” He’s the best comic sort of writer or storyteller that has come around in memory.

I just hope that he doesn’t think he has to live the lifestyle--that he has to be a gangster or a tough guy.

RANDY NEWMAN