51st annual Grammy Awards

On Sunday, the 51st Annual Grammy Awards Ceremony was held in Los Angeles, bringing together hundreds of musical acts from different genres for one star-studded evening. The show kicked off with a performance by U2, setting the fast -paced energy that is characteristic of the Grammys.
Immediately after, the award for Best R’amp;B album was presented by Whitney Houston to Jennifer Hudson for her self-titled debut album. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, made a failed attempt at being comical then turned the stage over to Justin Timberlake who performed with Boyz II Men, Al Green and Keith Urban.
A total of 110 Grammys were given out this year, though not all were broadcast due to time limits. Sugarland won Best Country Performance, dark horse nominees Robert Plant and Allison Kraus won twice for Best Pop Collaboration and Record of the Year, and Coldplay took home two Grammys, one for Song of the Year for its hit single ‘Viva la Vida’ and also Best Rock Album for the band’s platinum record of the same name. Adele scored Best New Artist, John Mayer won Best Male Pop Vocal, and Lil’ Wayne took home Best Rap Album.
The better performances were those of ‘older’ acts, specifically Coldplay, as well as Jay-Z, Kid Rock, 10-time Grammy Winner Kanye West with Estelle, and Radiohead. Par tradition, this year’s Grammys once again delivered a new batch of eclectic collaborations between different artists. ‘Best friends’ Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift came together for the first time to perform an acoustic rendition of Swift’s ‘Fifteen.’ Stevie Wonder bridged the generation gap with the Jonas Brothers, chiming in on the chorus of ‘Burnin’ Up,’ which then melted into Wonder’s super-hit ‘Superstition.’ To honor New Orleans and the victims of Hurricane Katrina, Lil’ Wayne paired with Robin Thicke to perform ‘Tie My Hands.’
The highlight of the Grammys was the collaborative performance of rap superstars Lil’ Wayne, Jay-Z, Kanye West, T.I. and a very pregnant M.I.A. Their rendition of ‘Swagga Like Us’ was the first time all four rappers have ever shared a stage together.
Although it was a small event, pop punk trio Blink 182 appeared onstage together for the first time in’ over four years to present the Best Rock Album. Before presenting the award to Coldplay, Blink announced to the crowd that it is officially back together, clearing up the many rumors that spread over the week prior.
The final award for Album of the Year was presented by Green Day to Robert Plant and Allison Krauss for ‘Raising Sand.’