THE 54TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS
The 54th annual GRAMMY Awards took place at The Staples Center tonight and music’s biggest night belonged to Adele. The singer won six awards including Album of the Yearand Best Pop Vocal Album for 21 and Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance for “Rolling in the Deep.” She also performed that song on the big show to a very rousing standing ovation. The Foo Fighters also fared pretty well, taking home five of the six awards they were nominated for, including Best Rock Album for Wasting Light, Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance for “Walk” and Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance for “White Limo.” The night wasn’t just about celebrations, it was about tributes as well to those we lost and to those who have been around for a while. Host LL Cool Jbegan the show with a prayer about Whitney Houston and many others remembered the singer, as well as Etta James, throughout the night. Meanwhile, The Beach Boys and Glen Campbell performed and had tributes of their own. Other winners include Bon Iver, who took home Best New Artist and Best Alternative Music Album, and Kanye West, who scored Best Rap Album for My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and Best Rap Song for “All of the Lights.”
WHAT HAPPENED ON THE SHOW…
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band opened the show performing their new single, “We Take Care of Our Own.” They were backed by a string section of an orchestra. The camera cut to Paul McCartney, who was on his feet, clapping and enjoying the performance.
Host LL Cool J came out and spoke about the “death in the family,” the passing of Whitney Houston. He then started the evening with a prayer, thanking God for the singer. The camera panned the audience, which was filled with musicians bowing their heads. A clip of Whitney performing at GRAMMYs was shown and brought the crowd to their feet. LL talked about the power of music and segued into how great music’s biggest night would be. He then introduced Bruno Mars.
Bruno Mars performed “Runaway Baby” dressed in a gold jacket on a lighted stage under a large marquee with his name on it. During his energetic set, he told the audience, “Get off your rich a**es and have some fun!”
Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt paid tribute to the late Etta James by performing “A Sunday Kind of Love.” They then presented the GRAMMY for Best Pop Solo Performance to Adele for “Someone Like You.” The crowd gave her a standing ovation and in her short acceptace speech, while chewing gum, she thanked the songwriter, and her doctors, for helping her get her voice back.
Chris Brown showed off his moves to “Turn Up the Music” and “Beautiful People” on a tiered stage of white blocks that lights projected different colors and images on.
Fergie and Marc Anthony announced that the GRAMMY for Best Rap Performance went to Jay-Z and Kanye West for “Otis.” Neither were present to accept the award.
Reba McEntire introduced Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson who performed “Don’t You Wanna Stay.”
From outside the GRAMMYs, Jack Black introduced the Foo Fighters, who performed “Walk” in a fan-filled tent across from The Staples Center.
