The 54th annual GRAMMYs took place Sunday evening on Feb. 12 in the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. This night is not only an oppor tunity for rewards to be given out, but also an experience, performance and show for audience and performers alike.
This year's GRAMMYs though, was overshadowed by the sad passing of star and musical legend, Whitney Houston. She passed away a day before the GRAMMYs took place due to a supposed drug overdose. The event was marked by a special tribute to her life, career and legacy that she left behind.
This year's slated list of performers to take the stage was impressive, starting with a stellar performance by Adele. Adele's CD "21" came out this past year, winning her much fame and shooting her straight to the top of the charts for almost an entire year. For her performance she chose the song "Rolling in the Deep." This was her first performance since she underwent throat surgery for a strain on her vocal chords that threatened to ruin her mu sical career if untreated. Sources say that the surgery was extremely success ful, allowing for a phenomenal comeback performance from Adele.
Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson performed together as well, singing their hit duet "Don't You Want to Stay," a country single hit that has spiked at the top of the charts.
The Beach Boys also made an appearance together for the first time in al most two decades, accompanied with Foster the People and Maroon 5.
Tony Bennett and Carrie Underwood took the stage, as well, singing "It Had to Be You." The song came to life with both old and new generations singing the notes to a packed room.
Chris Brown gave a great performance, followed by Glen Campbell with the Band Perry and Blake Shelton. The trio performed the songs "Rhinestone Cowboy," "Gentle on My Mind" and "Southern Nights" in tribute to Glen Campbell, who is currently on his farewell tour due to a diagnosis of Alzheimer's in 2010.
The Civil Wars then performed, followed up by Coldplay with Ri hanna to wrap up the performances for the night.
A total of 78 rewards were given out, though not all were broadcast ed on live television. The most anticipated, however, were given full attention, including the most coveted award Album of the Year.
Some top awards include Top Country Album of the Year, which went to Lady Antebellum for their newly released record, "Own the Night," beating out artists like Taylor Swift and Blake Shelton.
Best Country Song went to Taylor Swift for her song "Mean" on her newest album "Speak Now." She also received the best Country Solo Performance.
Best Rap Album went to Kanye West for "My Beautiful Dark Twist ed Fantasy." After a few years of being shamed after his largely criti cized and publicized slip up against Taylor Swift, he is finally gaining ground again.
Best Rock Album was awarded to Foo Fighters for "Wasting Light," which beat out other artists like Kings of Leon and Red Hot Chili Peppers. They also snagged the award for Best Rock Song from their winning album, "Walk" and Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance.
The Best New Artist went to Bon Iver who beat out other artists such as country stars The Band Perry, J. Cole, Nicki Minaj and Skrillex.
Though many artists were highlighted and received awards, includ ing both the new and old, the main spotlight focused on Adele, who walked away with a clean cut six awards for her six nominations. It was a clean sweep that brought Adele to tears on many occasions as she mounted the steps to receive another award. Adele won the Best Pop Vocal Album for "21," taking the gold over artists like Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga and Cee Lo Green.
She also walked away with the Best Pop Solo Performance for her song "Someone Like You," one of the top hits from her album and a longtime standing hit at the top of the charts worldwide. Song of the Year also went to Adele for her second most popular song on the al bum, "Rolling in the Deep." It then came as no surprise that the album carrying these award winning songs came out as the top winner for Album of the Year. "21" took the award, bringing another round of tears to Adele's eyes as she mounted the stage once more. And last but not least, the most coveted award of the GRAMMYs, Record of the Year went to Adele as well for "Rolling in the Deep."
