They've never been relevant to my musical tastes, and never will be.
That said, my opinion about them changed when I got to attend one year in person. The musical acts made a big difference LIVE, and I even went out and purchased some music as a result.
I got to see U2 for the first and only time. Terrific. Madonna, whom I couldn't have less about, put on a great show.
And so I've seen two of her concerts since (making my ex boyfriend very happy in the process) and I enjoyed them both very much. Still have not purchased any of her music, because she's just not my cup of tea. (Come pry the gay card from my hands, if you dare).
Oh, and I enjoyed seeing the hundreds of "lesser" nominees get their awards before the cameras rolled.