University of Oklahoma Lecturer nominated for a Grammy

On Sunday when CBS airs the 67th Grammys Awards, millions of people will be watching, and there are a group of Oklahomans with a special interest in this year’s awards.

“I’ve just been studying music, listening to music, recording music, writing music, since I can remember,” said University of Oklahoma Lecturer Christian Giacona.

With two doctrine degrees, Giacona has found another passion on the other side of performance.

“When they have a project that they need, you know, a little help with, we mix and master their recordings as well,” said Giacona.

So, when the Grammy award-winning, Edmond-based composer Kitt Wakely called her for help on Aaron Lazar’s latest project, Christina jumped at the opportunity.

“Do we have the talent here in Oklahoma? He said, 'I know we do but I just need confirmation,' and I said 'Absolutely,'” said Giacona.

Facing tight time constraints, Christina reached out to a few friends and quickly assembled an orchestra to perform behind some of the biggest names in the industry.

“Neil Patrick Harris, Josh Groban, Kelli O’Hara, Leslie Odom Jr., Kristin Chenoweth and one of the feature lines in the song Impossible Dream,” said Giacona.

On Nov. 8 Christina got the surprise of her life when the Grammy nominations came out.

“It is probably one of the most exhilarating moments of my life,” said Giacona. 

“Get my hair and makeup done at 8 a.m., and then we go to the ceremony at, I think it will be two o’clock Oklahoma time,” said Giacona. 

Giacona is mentally preparing to potentially become a Grammy award-winning artist.

“I don’t know if I’ll be able to hold back my screams and tears. I think it is just going to be all of my emotions coming to the surface and just erupting,” said Giacona.  

The Grammys will air this Sunday at 7 pm on News 9.