by M. Tye Comer, N.Y. |
February 09, 2009 5:46 EST
The 2009 Grammys Awards were marked by an overstock of quirky collaboration, tearful acceptance speeches, and everything from "limestone" rock to marching bands. Herewith, a look at the ten most memorable parts of this year's awards: the good, the bizarre, and the moving.
10. Strength in Numbers: Duets and Collaborations
How do share the wealth when you've got a room full the planet's biggest music stars, all vying for camera time? You pair them up, of course. And the 2009 Grammy performances featured some very memorable match-ups. The pairings ranged from the cool (Chris Martin & Jay-Z), to the clever (Taylor Swift & Miley Cyrus), to the completely unexpected (The Jonas Bros. and … Stevie Wonder?), but each one was a unique treat that kept viewers glued to their tubes.
9. Pretty in Pink, Frightening in Fruit: Katy Perry
No star turned more heads on the red carpet than Katy Perry, who dazzled camera lenses in an elegant, sleeveless pink dress by Lebanese designer Basil Soda (which she accented with matching bubblegum-pink lipstick). But the pop star went for a fruiter look during her performance of "I Kissed a Girl." Her sequined mini was a produce-stand nightmare that would have made even Josephine Baker cringe.
8. Coldplay on Fire
No rock band grabbed more Grammy gold than Britain's Coldplay, which walked away with three statues. But the group, described by singer Chris Martin as the "limestone of rock – a little softer, but just as charming," was quick to give credit where it was due … for their military-themed costumes, as least. "First off, thank you and sorry to Sir Paul McCartney for blatantly recycling the Sgt. Pepper outfits," said drummer Will Champion while accepting the Song of the Year trophy. Fortunately for this fab four, McCartney didn't seem to mind.
7. Hail to the Chiefs: Paul McCartney and Neil Diamond
Sir Paul McCartney and Neil Diamond both received Grammy nods for their most recent albums, yet both legends decided to dip deep into their musical catalogs when it was their turn to entertain. Macca, backed by Dave Grohl on drums, tore through the Beatles anthem "I Saw Her Standing There" to the delight of the crowd. Later in the show, Diamond shined during a spirited version of "Sweet Caroline" that had the packed Staples Center audience singing in unison. They just don't make 'em like that anymore.
6. Mama In Action: M.I.A.
M.I.A. was carrying quite a load when she hit the red carpet Sunday. That's because Grammy night just happened to fall on the same day that the Record of the Year nominee was set to give birth to her first child. The singer had an emergency plan in place in case nature called, but she managed to stick around long enough to perform "Swagger Like Us" with Kanye West, Jay-Z, Lil' Wayne and T.I., whom presenter Queen Latifah dubbed the Rap Pack.
5. Lil Wayne Brings the Big Easy
Four-time Grammy winner Lil' Wayne used his time on stage to pay homage to his still-ailing hometown of New Orleans. Flanked by R&B crooner Robin Thicke, Weezy began his set with a somber and poignant performance of "Tie My Hands." But the set erupted into a hip-shaking fiesta when N'awlins jazz giants Allen Toussaint and Terence Blanchard joined the pair onstage for a rousing conclusion worthy of the French Quarter.
4. The Reverend to the Rescue: Al Green Et Al.
Chris Brown and Rihanna's last-minute cancellation was certainly a disappointment for fans anxious to see the pair perform, but the dramatic no-show opened the door for an unexpected musical highlight. Soul legend Al Green, decked out in Blues Brother shades, led Justin Timberlake, Boyz II Men and Keith Urban through an all-star rendition of his classic "Let's Stay Together." Rev. Green's reward for chipping in? The adoration of the audience, as well as two Grammy awards that he picked up prior to the telecast.
3. Grammy's Dynamic Duo: Alison Krauss and Robert Plant
Robert Plant admitted being a bit bewildered by his Grammy success. "In the old days, we would have called this selling out. But I think it's a good way to spend a Sunday." When all the dust settled, it was Plant and partner Allison Krauss who had the best Sunday of all: the duo scored five awards for their 2007 album "Raising Sand," including both Album of the Year and Record of the Year.
2. Radiohead Schools the Grammys
Radiohead turned the music industry on its ear with the release of their 2007 album "In Rainbows," and it was fitting that the group brought the same innovative spirit to their first-ever Grammy appearance. Singer Thom Yorke and guitarist Johnny Greenwood were joined by the USC Trojan Marching Band for a jerky, energetic performance of "15 Steps" that was worthy of the Best Alternative Album award the band won prior to the telecast.
1. J-Hud's Teary Tribute
Considering the personal tragedies she's endured, no one would have blamed Jennifer Hudson for skipping this year's Grammy ceremony. But not only did J-Hud show up, she turned in one of the night's most memorable performances. Just minutes after winning her first Grammy award (for Best R&B Album), the teary-eyed diva took to the stage with a full gospel choir and belted out a moving rendition of her ballad "You Pulled Me Through," which won a standing ovation from the audience.
10. Strength in Numbers: Duets and Collaborations
How do share the wealth when you've got a room full the planet's biggest music stars, all vying for camera time? You pair them up, of course. And the 2009 Grammy performances featured some very memorable match-ups. The pairings ranged from the cool (Chris Martin & Jay-Z), to the clever (Taylor Swift & Miley Cyrus), to the completely unexpected (The Jonas Bros. and … Stevie Wonder?), but each one was a unique treat that kept viewers glued to their tubes.
9. Pretty in Pink, Frightening in Fruit: Katy Perry
No star turned more heads on the red carpet than Katy Perry, who dazzled camera lenses in an elegant, sleeveless pink dress by Lebanese designer Basil Soda (which she accented with matching bubblegum-pink lipstick). But the pop star went for a fruiter look during her performance of "I Kissed a Girl." Her sequined mini was a produce-stand nightmare that would have made even Josephine Baker cringe.
8. Coldplay on Fire
No rock band grabbed more Grammy gold than Britain's Coldplay, which walked away with three statues. But the group, described by singer Chris Martin as the "limestone of rock – a little softer, but just as charming," was quick to give credit where it was due … for their military-themed costumes, as least. "First off, thank you and sorry to Sir Paul McCartney for blatantly recycling the Sgt. Pepper outfits," said drummer Will Champion while accepting the Song of the Year trophy. Fortunately for this fab four, McCartney didn't seem to mind.
7. Hail to the Chiefs: Paul McCartney and Neil Diamond
Sir Paul McCartney and Neil Diamond both received Grammy nods for their most recent albums, yet both legends decided to dip deep into their musical catalogs when it was their turn to entertain. Macca, backed by Dave Grohl on drums, tore through the Beatles anthem "I Saw Her Standing There" to the delight of the crowd. Later in the show, Diamond shined during a spirited version of "Sweet Caroline" that had the packed Staples Center audience singing in unison. They just don't make 'em like that anymore.
6. Mama In Action: M.I.A.
M.I.A. was carrying quite a load when she hit the red carpet Sunday. That's because Grammy night just happened to fall on the same day that the Record of the Year nominee was set to give birth to her first child. The singer had an emergency plan in place in case nature called, but she managed to stick around long enough to perform "Swagger Like Us" with Kanye West, Jay-Z, Lil' Wayne and T.I., whom presenter Queen Latifah dubbed the Rap Pack.
5. Lil Wayne Brings the Big Easy
Four-time Grammy winner Lil' Wayne used his time on stage to pay homage to his still-ailing hometown of New Orleans. Flanked by R&B crooner Robin Thicke, Weezy began his set with a somber and poignant performance of "Tie My Hands." But the set erupted into a hip-shaking fiesta when N'awlins jazz giants Allen Toussaint and Terence Blanchard joined the pair onstage for a rousing conclusion worthy of the French Quarter.
4. The Reverend to the Rescue: Al Green Et Al.
Chris Brown and Rihanna's last-minute cancellation was certainly a disappointment for fans anxious to see the pair perform, but the dramatic no-show opened the door for an unexpected musical highlight. Soul legend Al Green, decked out in Blues Brother shades, led Justin Timberlake, Boyz II Men and Keith Urban through an all-star rendition of his classic "Let's Stay Together." Rev. Green's reward for chipping in? The adoration of the audience, as well as two Grammy awards that he picked up prior to the telecast.
3. Grammy's Dynamic Duo: Alison Krauss and Robert Plant
Robert Plant admitted being a bit bewildered by his Grammy success. "In the old days, we would have called this selling out. But I think it's a good way to spend a Sunday." When all the dust settled, it was Plant and partner Allison Krauss who had the best Sunday of all: the duo scored five awards for their 2007 album "Raising Sand," including both Album of the Year and Record of the Year.
2. Radiohead Schools the Grammys
Radiohead turned the music industry on its ear with the release of their 2007 album "In Rainbows," and it was fitting that the group brought the same innovative spirit to their first-ever Grammy appearance. Singer Thom Yorke and guitarist Johnny Greenwood were joined by the USC Trojan Marching Band for a jerky, energetic performance of "15 Steps" that was worthy of the Best Alternative Album award the band won prior to the telecast.
1. J-Hud's Teary Tribute
Considering the personal tragedies she's endured, no one would have blamed Jennifer Hudson for skipping this year's Grammy ceremony. But not only did J-Hud show up, she turned in one of the night's most memorable performances. Just minutes after winning her first Grammy award (for Best R&B Album), the teary-eyed diva took to the stage with a full gospel choir and belted out a moving rendition of her ballad "You Pulled Me Through," which won a standing ovation from the audience.
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