Grammys 2011: Mick Jagger Owns the Night (Video)

It's been a while since I've felt I could say I really enjoyed the Grammys. But, last night was a notable and highly enjoyable exception to the trend over the past decade, due in large part to the master performer and showman of stage and rock and roll, Mick Jagger.

Mick Jagger Performs at the Grammys

Having seen Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones perform twice during some of their best years, I know his genius and brilliance as a performer.

Without question, the dude is old. He's pushing 70 years old. But, none of that mattered last night when he took to the stage during a rousing and lively medley honoring Solomon Burke.

Mick Jagger's voice was strong. He was commanding, charismatic and nothing short of mesmerizing. Though he wore the evidence of his years on his face, his energy level was simply astounding. Even the most reserved of the audience members couldn't help getting up to their feet.

The elegant and always poised, Nicole Kidman shook her hips and waved her arms in the air. And how could she not? It was Mick Jagger, ya'll, and he owned that stage.

John Mayer Keith Urban and Norah Jones

One of the most impressive performances of the night was John Mayer, Keith Urban and Norah Jones, who paid tribute to country legend singer and songwriter, Dolly Parton, singing "Jolene."

Keith Urban and John Mayer have become fast friends over the years, often playing and touring together. As musicians these two guys are simpatico. The flamenco flair and impressive fingering by both rockers on acoustic guitars was highly impressive to say the least.

Keith Urban has been coming into his own musically, the past couple of years. Indeed, his sobriety, marriage to Nicole Kidman and becoming a father has propelled Keith Urban into some of the finest years of his musical career. The guy is unstoppable. John Mayer? Well, as long as he keeps his mouth shut and stays off of Twitter? He's poetic. Enough said.

Esperanza Spalding Best New Artist

I was surprised, but actually very glad to see that best new artist skipped over Justin Bieber (though, I seriously like the kid) and was presented to a gal that I haven't heard much from. Esperanza Spalding is an up and coming young, jazz musician.

It's hard not to think of the exquisite and sublime, Norah Jones when you hear Esperanza Spalding. Not much else to say except, better luck next time, Biebs, and good on the academy for recognizing that kind of musical excellence.

Eminem and Rihanna were Brilliant

I'm not much of a hip-hop girl and up until recently really didn't have much respect for Eminem. Marshall Mathers was one angry dude for many, many years.

But, for whatever reason, and maybe it's just age (because it happens to the best of us) Eminem seems to have mellowed. This has been a good thing for his music career, no doubt. And the guy put on a killer performance with Rihanna and Dr. Dre.

Say what you want about hip-hop (and believe me, I've said plenty), but, Eminem has been able to elevate the art form of rap to an entirely differently level. Eminem took home a Grammy for best rap album. If his song with Rihanna is a sampling of the artistry on that album, it was wholly deserved.

Justin Bieber and Usher Perform

Anyone who has ever heard Justin Bieber talk about his career and musical mentor knows it was Usher, who gave him his big break.

No one in my household really cares for Justin Bieber. But, I actually find the kid highly entertaining. He certainly has no shortage of talent and charisma and he showed it off in fine form last night with his performance with Usher.

Surprisingly, the Biebs didn't take any Grammy honors last night. But, that's the way it goes in the big leagues. You win some, you lose some.

Lady Gaga - Meh

I know you can't talk about the Grammys, pop music or pop culture without talking about Lady Gaga. She won a couple of awards, neither of which I remember because, well, I honestly see Lady Gaga as running her course pretty soon.

She's way too much of a Madonna rip-off for me and she takes herself and her importance in this universe way too seriously. But, she was there and I guess she deserves mention for that. But, her performance? Meh.

Sources:

Right Celebrity.com
Rolling Stone.com
OK! Magazine
Grammy.com