Review of The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards

The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, was opened with Lady Gaga singing "Poker Face" before going into a duet with Elton John performing "Your Song."

The Black Eyed Peas took the stage performing their hits, "Imma Be" and "I Gotta Feeling." They really got the Grammy party started. This is the kind of music that makes a person want to jump out of their chair and strut their stuff all over the living room.

Okay, so Jamie Foxx, T-Pain, and Doug E. Fresh weren't too bad either. They revved it up another notch performing the hit, "Blame It On The Alcohol," with Slash on electric guitar. You know there's a party in the house when Slash arrives, and these guys were amazing together.

In a special segment of the show, Mary J. Blige and Andrea Bocelli performed a touching duet, "Bridge Over Troubled Water," for Haiti Relief.

Stars came together to remember the late Michael Jackson in a tribute to the star. Performing Jackson's "Earth Song," whose theme is the future of our planet, were Celine Dion, Usher, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, and legendary Smokey Robinson. The 3-D mini movie of the same name was created by Michael for his This Is It tour. Following the performance, the Recording Academy Special Merit Award was presented to his children, Prince Michael and Paris Jackson.

"We like to thank the fans, our father loved you so much," Prince Michael said. "Our father was always concerned about the planet." He went on to add, "We will continue to spread his message."

One would think it hard to follow something as emotional as the tribute to Michael, but Bon Jovi is still rocking after all this time. They performed their hit song and fan favorite, "Livin' On A Prayer," originally released in 1986.

Favorite performance of the night? When Eminem, Lil Wayne, and Drake took the stage to perform with Travis Barker, that was it. It was exciting to listen to them together. It was a great performance, and this is coming from someone who hasn't listened to rap music in several years. Guys, all I can say is bravo!

Beyonce' made history when she walked away with six Grammys, a first in the show's 52-year history.

Now to the winners and losers of 52nd Annual Grammy Awards:

Album of the Year went to Taylor Swift for "Fearless."

Nominees for Album of the Year were Beyonce' for "I Am...Sasha Fierce," Black Eyed Peas "The E.N.D.," Lady Gaga "The Fame," and Dave Matthews Band "Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King."

Song of the Year - "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," written by Beyonce' Knowles, Thaddis Harrell, Terius Nash, and Christopher Steward.

Nominees for Song of the Year included Use Somebody written by Caleb Followill, Jared Followill, Matthew Followill, and Nathan Followill (Kings of Leon); You Belong With Me written by Taylor Swift and Liz Rose (Taylor Swift); Poker Face written by Lady Gaga and RedOne (Lady Gaga); Pretty Wings written by Hod David and Musze (Maxwell).

Best Country Album - "Fearless" (Taylor Swift). During her acceptance speech, a gracious Swift said, "I feel like I'm standing here accepting an impossible dream."

Nominees for Best Country Album included Zac Brown Band, George Strait, Keith Urban, and Lee Ann Womack.

Best New Artist - Zac Brown Band

Best Comedy Album - Stephen Colbert's "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!" Cobert said while accepting his award, "This is a Christmas album so I should thank Jesus...Thank you for having a birthday."

Others nominated for Best Comedy Album were Spinal Tap, "Wierd Al" Yankovic, Patton Oswalt, George Lopez, and Kathy Griffin.

Record of the Year - "Use Somebody" (Kings of Leon)

Record of the Year nominees were Beyonce, The Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift.

Best Rock Album - "21st Century Breakdown" (Green Day)

Best Rock Album nominees were AC/DC, Eric Claption and Steve Winwood, Dave Matthews Band, and U2

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration - Jay Z, Rhianna, and Kanye West

Nominees for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration were Beyonce' and Kanye West, Keri Hilson, Kanye West, and Ne-Yo, The Lonely Island and T-Pain, T.I. and Justin Timberlake.

Best Female Pop Vocal - Beyonce', "Halo"

Nominees for Best Female Pop Vocal were Adele, Katy Perry, Pink, Taylor Swift.

It was really great to see Taylor Swift win Album of the Year. If anyone deserved it, it was her. She's one hard working young lady. Her excitement radiated through the television right to the viewer. After accepting her award, an excited Swift said, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" You're welcome, Taylor.

Source:

52nd Annual Grammy Awards (televised)

Nominees list