2010 Grammy Awards: Beyonce', Taylor Swift, Black-Eyed Peas, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Maxwell, Lady Ga Ga, David Guetta,

2010 Grammy Award Ceremony, January 31, saw some great talent. Speaking awards, there were no big surprises. Leading nominees were: Beyonce with ten and Taylor Swift with eight nominations. The Black-Eyed Peas, Kanye West and Maxwell each had six nominations. Jay-Z, Lady Ga Ga and David Guetta each recieved five nominations. So far no huge surprises there. Earning four nominations were Keith Urban, Colbie Caillat, T-Pain, Kings of Leon and Bruce Springsteen. It was nice to see 'The Boss' back in the game again. I like that boy. Springsteen won best male vocal solo against some stiff competition from Bob Dylan, John Fogerty, Neil Young and Prince.

The musical performances were stellar. Taylor Swift and the un paralleled Stevie Nicks. David Foster, Mary J. Blige and Andre Bochelli- 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'. The obligatory tribute to Michael Jackson 'Earth Song' performed by Usher, Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and the marvelous Mr. Smoky Robinson. Delightful to see The Dave Matthews Band perform and take an album award home for Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King.

Not suprised that the lovely Beyonce took best female vocalist. Surprised, but very pleased that Mr. A-Z Jason Mraz took home best male vocalist. Lady Ga Ga has certainly taken the music world on a magical mystery tour and took home Best Dance recording for her Poker Face and Best dance album for 'The Fame'. The delicious Michael Buble won best traditional pop vocal album, but I would have preferred my boy Harry Connick Jr. Best metal performance, Judas Priest? Who knew those guys were still alive? But they had zero competition for the title. I won't comment on rap because rap is not music.

Very pleased to see newbie Miss Imogene Heap get a nomination. Fun also to see Spyro Gyra in the pop instrumental album nominations. But who is this Phoenix and what were they thinking not to give the sublime Depeche Mode best alternative album for Sounds of the Universe? Would have preferred Steve Vai over Jeff Beck. Jazz album Dedicated To You: Kurt Elling Sings the Music of Coltrane and Hartman, was an excellent choice. New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and Five Peace Band were excellent jazz selections as well. Nice to see those Marley boys following their dad, and Mr. Ramblin' Jack Elliot is a tour de force. For best soundtrack, Cadillac Records deserved the award over Slumdog Millionaire, but that's just my love of Motown showing.