Emmy nominees: A musical journey through diverse genres
This year’s Emmy nominees have embraced a wide array of genres and stories, ranging from high-society culture wars to post-apocalyptic Westerns, Feudal Japan epics, murder podcasts, and elementary school hijinks. However, no category is as eclectic and mind-boggling as the original music and lyrics lineup. The five nominees come from different networks and streaming platforms, spanning genres that would likely never share a concert lineup. Let’s dive into this year’s most intriguing category.
‘The medium time’ from Girls5eva
In the comedy series Girls5eva, the music is a standout feature, thanks to the genius of creator Meredith Scardino and music supervisor Jeff Richmond. Surprisingly, the only entry to catch the Television Academy’s attention this year is Sara Bareilles’ tender and reflective piece on accepting fame in its other forms. As the girl group performs to a crowd of no one but family at Radio City Music Hall, Bareilles’ song captures the essence of the series: “Grow, trust time will know / That the middle is the riddle of it all / And the medium time is just fine for now.” This song is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the journey is more important than the destination. Check out the trailer for Girls5eva.
‘Which of the Pickwick Triplets did it?’ from Only Murders in the Building
When Only Murders in the Building staged its third season on the Broadway stage, it made sense to call in a few Tony winners to help punch up the authenticity. In this case, it was the scribes behind Dear Evan Hansen, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who joined Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman in writing this tongue-twister of a song. Steve Martin delivers a masterful performance with lyrics like “In this picaresque puzzle of the Pickwick pack” and “I will name the neonatal from the cradle that proved fatal.” Martin’s delivery is nothing short of spectacular. Watch the trailer for Only Murders in the Building.
‘Maya Rudolph Mother’s Day monologue’ from Saturday Night Live
The Mother of the House of Rockefeller herself, Maya Rudolph, delivered a memorable monologue on Saturday Night Live. This piece is a send-up of the internet’s habit of calling badass women “mother.” Rudolph, a household name within SNL’s walls, crafts a master class in cultural references, unapologetic theatricality, and tons of one-liners like “Bow down, children, I’m your mother / It’s giving queen, it’s giving drama.” Rudolph’s performance is a testament to her comedic genius. Watch the trailer for Saturday Night Live.
‘Love will survive’ from The Tattooist of Auschwitz
The most solemn entry in this category gets a boost from an unexpected superstar — Barbra Streisand. The theme from Peacock’s tragically romantic The Tattooist of Auschwitz comes from composers Hans Zimmer, Kara Talve, and Walter Afanasieff, with lyrics by Charlie Midnight. This aspirational melody about love’s ability to weather the darkest storms of hate and persecution pulls at the heartstrings more than any other nominee. Streisand’s voice adds an extra layer of emotional depth. Watch the trailer for The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
‘No use’ from True Detective: Night Country
The triumphant return of True Detective had many pleasures, but one of Night Country‘s greatest strengths was John Hawkes’ Emmy-nominated performance. This deeply defeatist ditty foreshadowed tragic events and became an indelible incision into the psyche of one man’s flawed life. With lines like, “You are forever bound to lose, so what’s the use?” Hawkes’ own lyrics resonate deeply. This is not a song viewers will likely cue up at the gym, but it leaves a lasting impact. Watch the trailer for True Detective: Night Country.
A personal reflection on the nominees
As a cinema, TV series, and music enthusiast, this year’s Emmy nominees for original music and lyrics offer a fascinating glimpse into the diverse storytelling and musical creativity in today’s entertainment landscape. Each nominee brings something unique to the table, whether it’s the comedic brilliance of Girls5eva, the theatrical flair of Only Murders in the Building, the cultural commentary of Saturday Night Live, the emotional depth of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, or the haunting introspection of True Detective: Night Country.
These songs and performances remind us of the power of music to enhance storytelling, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impression. They also highlight the incredible talent and creativity of the artists behind these works. As we celebrate these nominees, let’s take a moment to appreciate the artistry and dedication that goes into creating such memorable and impactful music.
the Emmy nominees for original music and lyrics are a testament to the rich tapestry of genres and stories that make up our entertainment world. They remind us that, no matter the medium, music has the power to connect us, move us, and inspire us.