For me, the state of music today in uncertain.

I’ve been a fan of music my entire life. For the most part, I like the majority of it. However, it’s getting more difficult to embrace the music of today.

I don’t mean to say all current music is sub-par. That would be a lie. What I’m saying is, I don’t get as excited about some of the new stuff the way I once did.

Some people would call that maturity or they may just say it’s because I’m old. I won’t dispute either of those claims, but it isn’t entirely accurate. Music has changed dramatically - from how we obtain it, listen to it and collect it, and also what’s considered trendy, pop, rock or country. Nothing is the same anymore.

The best way for me to explain it is to refer to the Billboard Music Awards last week. It honors the best in music, particularly from right now. Kelly Clarkson hosted the gala. I tuned in to see her open the show. She’s fantastic, especially when she’s performs a medley of current hits.

As the night progressed, things became increasingly odd. The categories were familiar, but most of the nominated songs and performers within those categories were not. The country categories could have been the pop categories, as such artists as Florida Georgia Line and Dan + Shay monopolized them. Both acts have been big on both the pop and country charts

The pop, R&B and Hot 100 categories were dominated by rap and hip-hop artists. I have nothing against rap or hip-hop, but the way Billboard compiles its lists today, these artists flood the Hot 100 and most of these songs are not even on mainstream radio. It seems weird to me now.

But something happened during this telecast that put a smile on my face. Three performances seemed to be hot topics the following day: Madonna, Mariah Carey and Paula Abdul.

Madonna, 60, performed her latest song, “Medellin,” with Columbian singer Maluma. It’s a good song. I was happy to see her included on a show like this that was dominated by Cardi B, Drake and other younger performers.

Imagine my surprise when Mariah Carey appeared. She was being given the “Icon” award, then she sang a medley of her hits. She was spot-on. The audience’s reaction was awesome. Mariah is only 50, but some would say she’s not relevant anymore. I disagree.

The icing on the cake was seeing Paula Abdul close the night with an awesome medley of her hits. Abdul is 56! She was all over that stage and in perfect sync with her dancers.

It might seem like Madonna, Carey and Abdul would be better suited to an awards show from 30 years ago. But these women proved a couple of things. First, age is only a number. Secondly, they still can command an audience.

David T. Farr can be reached at farrboy@hotmail.com.