2011 Grammy Entertainment Starts with a Bang

The 53d Grammys on CBS February 13th truly were all about the music-and it just kept on coming. Viewers knew right away that the night would be entertaining when it started with five talented ladies rocking the stage to honor Aretha Franklin, the undisputed "Queen of Soul." The evening was peppered with legends. There was something for everyone.

Gospel artist Yolanda Adams, country singer/songwriter, Martina McBride, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, and Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine combined their talents in an outstanding medley of Aretha's hits. The tribute was followed by a satellite appearance from Aretha. She looked thin, but strong, considering her recent hospitalization, reportedly due to pancreatic cancer. The quintet's performance-coupled with the fact that it was dedicated to Aretha-brought the crowd to their feet.

Several deceased performers were honored. Country trio, Lady Antebellum, the big winner of the night--picking up 5 awards-- paid special tribute to R&B singer Teddy Pendergrass, who passed away in 2010.

Lady Gaga intrigued the crowd early on, making her dramatic entrance on the red carpet inside an egg. She burst out of it on stage, singing "Born This Way." Gaga was flanked by talented dancers all donning costumes designed to look like human skin.

When singers were paired-some of the collaborations made sense and some didn't. For example,Tina Turner-ish Muppets joined Cee Lo Green and Gwyneth Paltrow for a rendiditon of "F**k You." Cee Lo, attired in an armored bird suit, added to the bizarre display. Although Gwyneth should probably stick to acting, she did show courage for joining in...and a bit of agility too when she hopped on top of the piano. The act was definitely colorful.

69 year-old Bob Dylan appeared frail and his voice was hard to hear...but hey, he's Bob Dylan, and he paved the way for the groups who shared the stage with him. He teamed with the Avett Brothers and Mumford and Sons, who backed him up with instruments from banjos to accordions.

At 67, Mick Jagger made his first appearance on the Grammy stage. He certainly was far from frail. Jagger worked the stage with the same energy he had forty years ago. Singing "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love," in tribute to Solomon Burke, Jagger started off in a cape reminiscent of Burke's style. The audience obviously appreciated Mick's long-overdue performance at the Grammys as they enthusiastically clapped and sang along, ending up on their feet.

Bruno Mars, B.o.B. and Janelle Monáe went retro with their appeal and it seemed to work. Cyndi Lauper sure thought so, clapping feverishly as the cameras zoomed in on her. Nicole Kidman was another fan who looked like she wouldn't mind getting up on stage and joining in-- Katy Perry's the one who got her moving.

Justin Bieber teamed with Usher and Jaden Smith for a performance that no doubt pleased his fans. Justin is a great role model for kids and his popularity certainly isn't waning, but the performance didn't move me. The drummers and the acrobats seemed to dominate. Jaden was having a good time, and his proud parents gave him a standing ovation.

Eminem gave an energetic performance, coupled with dancing background flames. Rihanna looked confident and had strong performances with Drake, Dr. Dre and Eminem. She also had a fiery background, and it matched her new flaming red hair.

Barbra Steisand sounded great, as always, but looked uncomfortable. Her notorious stage fright seemed to have kicked in, as she hung on to the microphone stand. But let's face it, the lady can outshine just about anyone-nervous or not.

Montreal's indie-rock band, Arcade Fire, lit up the stage with their visual performance. They ended the night, taking home the best album honors for "Suburb."

Click here for a list of 2011 Grammy award winners.

Source: "53d Grammy Awards;" CBS, 8pm ET; 2/13/2011