Interning for the 55th Annual Grammy Awards, I had some expectations—coffee runs, filing paperwork, running errands, etc. Instead, I got a chance to assist producing legend Walter C. Miller and see what it was like behind the production desk.

After being assigned to assist Walter during the Awards show, I was not expecting how many people would approach me saying, “You know who that is right?” I would always nod my head in assertion, but honestly I didn’t fully grasp what Walter had accomplished until after a quick IMBD search. Producing 33 Grammy Awards alone, along with Emmys and Tony Awards, it was safe to say that I was beginning to realize how inspiring this man was. 

Simply, Walter was there at the forefront of television. Additionally, he had an interest in music, dabbling in classical music himself. When I asked him what his favorite gig is, Walter jokingly replied, “There have been too many and I’m too old to remember half of them.”

As for stories, Walter is filled with them. From speaking of Michael Jackson to recounting golf stories about Vince Gill, Walter never ceased to stop telling us about “back in the day.” 

Walking back stage with Walter is like following a former President around the White House—he knew everyone.

During Carrie Underwood’s rehearsal, he walked up on stage so quickly I didn’t even know where he went. When he returned I asked, “You’re a big fan of hers?” and he replied, “I was the first one to put her on the network.”

Because Walter was a contributing producer, we were allowed to sit at the producer’s table during the rehearsal.

Being an avid viewer of the Grammys for many years, I had pretty lofty expectations. However, no one, including myself, really realizes how much work really goes into the production of the 3 and a half hour award show.

There are literally hundreds of people and a security guard ratio of about 1-1. From make-up artists to stand-ins, work does not stop in the Staple Center during the week.

Going into the Grammy Awards, I had some rumors in my head that I wondered whether or not would in fact be true. 

Myth 1: Performances are lip-synched—false. I had always heard that these performers are very good at performing, and nothing else. Watching the rehersals and the award show, you really got to see how much talent and effort it takes. Justin Timberlake may make it seem effortless, but there is so much work and so many people involved in the process that get the artists to the biggest stage in music. 

Myth 2: Everyone in show business is stand-offish—false. The people I worked with were incredibly nice, treating everyone with respect and bringing laughter and friendliness to the production room. It seemed as though everyone there shared a common goal - to produce a stellar awards show.

Myth 3: It sounds better on TV—false. Although it is quite nice to watch the performance from the comfort of your own couch, being at the performance live is incomparable. I watched the Grammys when I returned to my dorm and everything was fantastic, but it was ten times more powerful in person.

With these myths debunked and the chance to spend time with a Hollywood legend, it is safe to say I have an immense appreciation for the Grammys and the team behind the show, including executive producer Ken Ehrlich.

After the show ended, Walter and I agreed it was actually one of the best shows in recent memory. Being back in the production office, there was an electric feel when everyone returned from backstage with plenty of accomplished grins. Claps began as Ken walked in, with a documentary team following his every move. 

At the end of the day, Walter wished me good luck in my career, to which I didn’t know how to respond. This is a man who has had one of the longest, most diverse, and well-known careers in the business and he was wishing me good luck.

All I could say was, “I hope to be an ounce as successful as you.”

I don’t have to be the one to tell you that the performance of “The Weight” gave me chills. I don’t have to be the one to tell you that Rihanna is even prettier in person. I don’t have to be the one to tell you that the Black Keys are the most down-to-earth guys despite their huge success. But one thing I do have to let you know is that Walter taught and showed me that the Grammy Awards show is truly a work of art, not just by the performers, but by everyone behind the scenes as well.

Read NT's coverage of the Grammys here.

Reach Staff Reporter Jillian Morabito here.