From latex stage outfits and unexpected winners to big tributes to icons and music legends making first-time performances, the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards proved to be one big lovefest, with a focus on performances rather than who was going to go home with the coveted golden phonographs. With so much crammed into three and a half hours, Tonic compiled 10 of the greatest hits from one of the biggest nights in music.
1. Worthy and Surprising Winners
Although some of the night’s winners were obvious no-brainers, including Lady Gaga and the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys collaboration, “Empire State of Mind,” the Best New Artist Category was the night’s big shocker. While people debated whether the Grammy would go to one of the Canadians (Drake or Justin Bieber) or the Brits (Florence and the Machine or Mumford & Sons), it was a jazz bassist from Portland, Ore. named Esperanza Spalding who took home the trophy. Not only did this make for one nice surprise, it just showed that the Grammys haven’t completely turned Arinto a popularity contest. In other categories, most people had inklings that country trio, Lady Antebellum, would walk away with at least one Grammy due to their 2010 smash hit, “Need You Now.” But it seems that Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood and Hillary Scott never expected to win five of their six nods, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year, adding them to the short list of country crossover stars.
2. Thanking the Mentors
Between the acceptance speeches and performance dedications, this year’s Grammy Awards were big on saying “thank you.” Christina Aguilera, Martina McBride, Jennifer Hudson, Yolanda Adams and Florence and the Machine’s Florence Welch opened the night by paying homage to Aretha Franklin, who couldn’t attend last night’s event. Singing “You Make Me Feel (Like a Natural Woman)” and “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves,” the women offered a lovely tribute to the Queen of Soul, who showed her gratitude in a video message after the performance. Miranda Lambert dedicated her performance of “The House That Built Me” to the country artists who came before her while Justin Bieber gave thanks to mentor, Usher, and showed a clip of one of their first meetings. Lady Gaga shocked everyone when she thanked Whitney Houston (not Madonna) for inspiring her new track, “Born This Way.” And ladies swooned when Matthew Bellamy dedicated Muse’s Best Rock Album win for “The Resistance” to his pregnant girlfriend, actress Kate Hudson.
3. Lady Gaga’s Birth
As much as we were anticipating the live debut of Lady Gaga‘s “Born This Way,” her outfit garnered just as much, or maybe even more, attention. Traveling down the red carpet inside a glowing egg, her entrance was clearly one of the night’s unforgettable moments. Dressed in latex, Gaga later gave yet another theatrical performance. Aside from dancing for her life while belting those vocals, she made sure to remind everyone she’s still a serious musician by playing part of the song on the piano.
4. Muse Tries to Start a Riot
For their debut Grammy performance, UK rock act Muse wanted to go big and included parts of their tour set in the band’s live performance of “Uprising.” With lights, lots of protest imagery and a herd of dancing rioters “breaking things” onstage, the band gave their imprint with a slightly political twist.
5. The Mumford & Sons, Avett Brothers and Bob Dylan Jam Session
Despite the stage hands that were caught on camera between song transitions and Bob Dylan‘s little hop over the Mumford & Sons bassist’s instrument, the spotlight on folk music was a good one. Mumford & Sons were so into their rendition of “The Cave” that “Country” Winston Marshall was even body rolling while playing his banjo. The Avett Brothers kept the energy up and stayed classy in their suits to lead into a jam session with the folk legend himself on “Maggie’s Farm.” Sure, Dylan was raspier than usual, but that just added to the singer’s charm.
6. Eminem Reunites with Dr. Dre
You’d think that after winning Best Rap Album for “Recovery” and Best Rap Solo Performance for “Not Afraid,” Eminem would crack a smile. Even though Marshall Mathers didn’t look happy, his performance with Dr. Dre was one that will surely be remembered. Not only does he give props to his mentor after winning Best Rap Album, the two vibing off each other on “I Need a Doctor” was powerful, and Skylar Grey’s vocal on the track made it all the more exciting.
7. Cee Lo in feathers, Gwyneth in s and the Muppets
In 1977, Elton John went on “The Muppet Show” in a bedazzled headpiece, peacock costume and his signature shades to perform “Crocodile Rock.” So in 2011, Cee Lo Green wanted to pay homage to that performance by donning the same exact outfit but with his own shades and invited this generation of muppets and Oscar-winner (and Glee guest star) Gwyneth Paltrow to sing “The Song Otherwise Known as Forget You.” While the Twitterverse was in an uproar about Cee-Lo’s getup and the fact he did have to sing the censored version, there was no denying that this was one memorable performance.
8. Katy Perry Spreads the Love
Katy Perry was all about the love on Sunday night. She brought her husband, Russell Brand, and her grandma, who was sparkling in silver on the red carpet. “If I don’t go home with any Grammys, I still go home with my Grammy,” she told E! host Ryan Seacrest. But the “Teenage Dream” singer celebrated Valentine’s Day a little bit early by giving a heartfelt performance of “Not Like the Movies.” Sitting on a swing in a pink ballerina-like dress, she put her heart on her sleeve while footage of her recent wedding was projected on the curtain behind her — causing every hopeless romantic’s heart to melt.
9. Mick Jagger Makes His Grammy Debut By Paying Tribute
Mick Jagger has played almost every big stage in the world, except the Grammys. Instead of singing a Rolling Stones hit on Sunday night, he teamed up with Raphael Saadiq on Solomon Burke’s “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love.” Dressed in a slim-fitting turquoise and black outfit, the 67-year-old set the stage on fire with his energy and constant pelvic movements. Not only did he make an impact in his first Grammys performance but he also put a different yet touching twist on the “In Memoriam” segment.
10. Arcade Fire’s Grammy Closer
Moments after Arcade Fire gave fans another reason why the Canadian band rocks their socks, Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson announced that the band would also be taking home the award for Album of the Year. Up against Eminem’s “Recovery,” Lady Gaga’s “The Fame Monster” and Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now,” Arcade Fire’s “The Suburbs” was the clear underdog — making the win one of the night’s biggest shockers. Stunned by the golden phonograph in his hand, lead singer Win Butler thanked everyone for the Grammy then went back to his instrument to close the show with “Ready to Start.” ”We’re gonna go play another song, because we like music. So thank you, we’re so happy. Bye, everyone leave to this song!” Butler shouted before placing the Grammy on an amp.