The 51st Annual Grammy Awards were filled with big surprises and even some disappointments, none of which had to do with the outside drama between R&B singer Chris Brown and Rihanna, both of whom canceled their appearances.
The show began with a surprise appearance by Whitney Houston. The controversial R&B singer was the first announcer of the night and graced the stage to a standing ovation. Houston introduced the first award for Best R&B Album, which was awarded to Jennifer Hudson for her self-entitled debut. Later Hudson performed the ballad, “ You Pulled Me Through”.
There were plenty of other surprise performances and collaborations throughout the night. Teenybopper heartthrobs, the Jonas Brothers performed “Superstition” with Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake performed “Let’s Stay Together” with Al Green, and Boyz II Men singing backup to the disappointment of many fans. Jay-Z performed an otherwise underhwhelming verse on the remix to “Lost” with Chris Martin of Coldplay. And Estelle and Kanye West, performed “American Boy”, which also won them the Grammy for Best Rap/Sung collaboration.
But the most anticipated performance of the night wasn’t a surprise at all. Kanye West, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and T.I. performed their Grammy Award winning song, “Swagga Like Us”, which also included a very-pregnant MIA who performed the hook live. T.I. hit the stage for a second time and performed “Dead & Gone” with Justin Timberlake. Jamie Foxx and Ne-Yo also hit the stage as one half of the Four Tops and original Tops members Smokey Robinson, Abdul "Duke" Fakir. Lil Wayne’s own performance was also one of the night’s most emotional. Instead of performing one of his hits such as “Lollipop” or “Got Money”, Wayne went with the poignant album cut, “Tie My Hands” featuring Robin Thicke. The performance was punctuated by fellow New Orleans-musicians, Allen Toussaint, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and acclaimed trumpeter Terrence Blanchard.
The Grammy’s were nothing short of spectacular with memorable performances by some of today’s top artists. After a night of heavy competition, the bar will definitely be raised for next year.
Last Night’s Winner’s We Didn’t Get to See
Best Rap Song: "Lollipop" - Lil Wayne
Best Rap Solo Performance: "A Milli" - Lil Wayne
Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group: "Swagga Like Us" - Jay-Z and T.I. featuring Kanye West and Lil Wayne
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "American Boy" - Estelle featuring Kanye West
Best Contemporary R&B Album: "Growing Pains" - Mary J. Blige
Best Female R&B Vocal Solo: "Superwoman" - Alicia Keys
Best Male R&B Vocal Solo: "Miss Independent" - Ne-Yo’s
Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals: "Stay With Me (By the Sea)" - Al Green featuring John Legend
Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: "You've Got the Love I Need" - Al Green featuring Anthony Hamilton
Best Urban/Alternative Performance: "Be OK" - Chrisette Michele featuring Will.I.Am
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