The 51^st annual Grammy awards were handed out on Sunday, February 8, and continued its reign as the most unpredictable awards show.  The night’s big winner was Alison Krause and Robert Plant who walked away with five trophies including Album of the Year for “Raising Sand.”  The duo also won for Record of the Year for “Please Read the Letter,” beating out favorites Coldplay for “Viva La Vida” and British sensation Leona Lewis for “Bleeding Love.” 

Many music insiders expected British rock band Coldplay to walk away with both awards, but the band didn’t go home empty handed.  The group walked away with three Grammy awards including Song of the Year for “Viva La Vida.”  Rapper Lil Wayne who led this year’s pack of nominees with eight nods went home with four Grammys, including Best Rap Album for “Tha Carter III.” 

 

Alison Krause and Robert Plant were big winners at the Grammys taking home 5 trophies including Album of the Year for "Raising Sand." Photo courtesy of Mark J. Terrill/AP.

The Grammys, which is heavily known for its performances and not the actual awards, didn’t disappoint Sunday night.  Rock band U2 opened the show with an energetic performance that roused the crowd.  Lead singer Bono delivered another surprise to the audience as he introduced songstress Whitney Houston.  Huston looked terrific and confident as she presented the first award of the night for Best R&B Album to Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson.  Hudson was emotional as she took the stage to accept the award.  She thanked her family including those in Heaven. 

In an unforgettable and truly moving moment of the evening, Hudson delivered a powerhouse rendition of her song “You Pulled Me Through.”  Toward the end of the tender ballad, Hudson became emotional leaving many in the audience in tears.  She later received a standing ovation from the audience. 

Other performers gracing the Grammy stage included American Idol winner Carrie Underwood who delivered a crowd pleasing rendition of her hit “Last Name.”  Justin Timberlake graced the stage twice, first with Al Green, Keith Urban and Boyz to Men for “Let’s Stay Together,” and later hit the stage with rapper T.I. for “Dead and Gone.”  Other notable performances included Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers featuring Stevie Wonder who performed their ubiquitous hit “Burnin Up,” and then the brothers teamed with Wonder on his hit “Superstition.” 

 

Jennifer Hudson delivered a powerful rendition of her song "You Pulled Me Through" during Sunday night's ceremony leaving many in the audience in tears. Photo courtesy of the Associated Press.

The presentation of Best New Artist by rapper Kanye West and singer Estelle proved once again that the outspoken rapper is never at a loss for words.  West took a shot at the Recording Academy for failing to honor him with a Best New Artist trophy in the past.   British sensation Adele won the award beating out front-runners Duffy and The Jonas Brothers.  West didn’t go home empty handed though; he picked up two awards including Best Rap/Song Collaboration for “American Boy.” 

In what was considered a once in a lifetime performance, rappers T.I., Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and Kanye West joined a pregnant M.I.A. on stage to perform the smash hit “Swagga Like Us.” 

Other big winners at the show included singer/songwriter John Mayer, who won for Best Pop Vocal Performance for “Say.”  Ne-Yo took home two Grammys including Best R&B Song for “Miss Independent” and Duffy took home the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album beating out Sheryl Crow and James Taylor.  A total of 10 awards were presented during the 3 ½ hour ceremony out of a total 110 categories, making the show appear more concerned with performances instead of honoring actual musicians.  Members of the Recording Academy may want to think about that in the future.  Join us next year for the 52^nd annual Grammy Awards; it's expected to be a blast.  

Rapper Lil Wayne walked away with 4 Grammy awards including Best Rap Album for "Tha Carter III." Photo courtesy of the Associated Press.

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