Best of the 2010 Grammys

Opening up the festivities is Lady Gaga, surrounded by a horde of Poker Face-Less gals in stretchy costumes. She emerges at the top of the stage wearing a winged sparkly number with matching stacked booties. But this is only the beginning of the excitement-because shortly after she's dropped into a flaming "Rejected" furnace, she reappears-sooty-behind a piano opposite Sir Elton John-who is equally soiled.

Best Transformers Impression: The Black Eyed Peas

They come out looking like anime characters, dressed in shiny black gear. Lone diva Fergie dons a metallic viser and Lady Gaga's booties (in black.) Will.i.am. appears in black face-a mask that is. The animated dancers perform systematically in the background in keeping with the thumping hip-hop beat of "Imma Be." And then robots enter the stage just as they crank up "I Got a Feeling." This is the "feel good" song of their performance, something to round out the edgy, almost scary effect of all the metallic imagery. The Black Eyed Peas are musical superheroes.

Biggest Theatrics: Beyonce

The crowd may have gone "goo-goo for Gaga". But clearly the biggest theatrics on the Grammy stage occur during Beyonce's performance. For her performance of "If I Were a Boy", the multi-award winner comes stomping robotically onto the stage. She's dressed in what looks like a costume from an S&M ballet. The customary Diva Fan cranks up a weave-blowing blast of air. She is surrounded by dancers who look like extras from The Terminator. In this short frilly number, Beyonce grabs her crotch against the backdrop of sweet music. But that's not the theatrical part. The "acting" emerges, as she pushes out angry notes that just don't jive with her glamorous image. Somehow her attempt to channel her inner rock star as she belts Alanis Morrisette's "You Oughta Know", has a better script than a Martin Scorsese film.

Best Circus Performance: Pink

She walks out draped in a stunning white hooded gown. Through the drop front, there is an abundance of flesh peeking through. It is Pink, walking onto the stage and toward the audience, launching into the heartwarming lyrics of "Glitter in the Air." The performance is fairly predictable, until she removes the dress to reveal what looks like an outfit made of sparkly surgical tape. And then poof!-she's in the air, spinning elegantly in a white sheet suspended overhead. Golden dancers floating above, create dream shapes with their limber figures. Pink has a knack for suspension-(she performed on a trapeze during the MTV awards.) But this time she takes a bit of a shower, singing as water is poured onto her from above. She executes the "glittery" effect effortlessly, matching searing vocals with an impeccably delicate dramatic performance.

Most Vocally Awkward Duet: Taylor Swift and Stevie Nicks

The Grammys' resident princess, Taylor Swift gets a chance to perform with icon, Stevie Nicks (who looks surprisingly refreshed.) Tackling Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon" is a sweet idea. Taylor's syrupy voice might have blended well with Stevie's raspy charm. Unfortunately, a nasty pitch problem gets in the way of the song's success. (Rewind your DVR, and you'll notice the Fleetwood Mac singer cutting Taylor a wry look.) Their rendition of "You Belong with Me" is twangy and saucy, considerably more "country" than the versions that Taylor is known for performing on live TV. But those errant notes keep popping up in the song-ruining Taylor's opportunity to shine with a classic rock legend.

Biggest Tearjerker Moment: Michael Jackson and Company

Without a doubt, Michael Jackson's 3-D "Earth Song" is the tearjerker segment of the show. Illustrating Michael's vision is a stellar group of performers: Jennifer Hudson, Celine Dion, Usher, Carrie Underwood and Smokey Robinson. Each voice offers the proper emotional angle. Smokey's vocals are smooth and effective; Celine's crisp voice adds sensitivity. Jennifer Hudson provides the song's power. Carrie Underwood's country flair is pushed aside in favor of harmonious purity. And Usher's effortless falsetto complements the sweetness of Michael's spirit. Combined, these five embody the true essence of "Earth Song"; and with Michael's vocals holding it down, it is as if he is really in the room.

Quietest Performance: Lil Wayne/ Eminem/ Drake

The Grammys aren't known for being particularly quiet. But there is one performance in which you can hear a pin drop (if you are watching on TV, that is). Lil Wayne, Eminem, and Drake present "Drop the World" and "Forever." But the combined bleeping causes so much dead space that all we can hear is Travis Barker on the drums.

Most Hyper Performance: Jamie Foxx and Friends

What do you get when you combine opera, R&B, heavy metal, classical, and old skool hip-hop? Jamie Foxx performing "Blame it on the Alcohol" at the 2010 Grammys. Jamie, who begins his operatic intro looking like a confederate soldier, is quickly joined by a parade of stars. The "Conductor" is revealed to be T-Pain. He is soon followed by a beat-boxing Doug E. Fresh (and his signature hand swoop move.) Even Jamie's sister gets in on the party, showcasing her surprisingly limber dancing skills. Topping off the excitement is legendary rock guitarist, Slash. With this energetic rendition of "Blame it on the Alcohol", there is more panting and sweating on the stage, than in Tiger Woods' hotel room.

SOURCES:

www.cbs.com