Drastic changes to honour late legend Whitney Houston, Adele and Skrillex big wins, and more from the music industry’s biggest night
Grammy 2012 is bittersweet – filled with both homage to Whitney Houston and cheers from those bagging the gramophones. The big night itself was heavily rearranged right on Grammy eve, for music legend Whitney Houston passed away when preparing to perform for the pre-Grammy party.
As the ceremony kickstarted, musician Dave Koz said a few remembrance words for Whitney. ”Great legacy of Miss Whitney Houston. She’s in our hearts and our minds.” Jennifer Hudson and Chaka Khan later performed the main tribute for Whitney. More musical tributes are expected from the awards night that feature Rihanna, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, and more.
Those who come home with the golden gramophones
Adele wins big – as predicted. The slimmed-down songbird as a result of her surgery won the prestigious Album of the Year as well as Best Pop Solo Performance and Song of The Year.
Taylor Swift won two country awards including Best Country Song for ‘Mean’ from her ‘Speak Now’ album.
Paul McCartney proves that he’s still got it, with his ‘Band on the Run’ album outracing everyone at Best Historical Album.
Both loved and hated, the new kid on the dance block, Skrillex, bags 3 gramophones. His dubstep / electronica tracks from ‘Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites’ has created huge buzz. The album beats those of David Guetta and DeadMau5 in the dance / electronica best album category.
Rock belongs to Foo Fighters this year where they clean-sweep all the Grammy rock categories including Best Rock Album for ‘Wasting Light’.
Remembering Whitney, Etta James, and Amy Winehouse
“It’s too fresh in everyone’s memory to do more at this time,but we would be remiss if we didn’t recognize Whitney’s remarkable contribution to music fans in general..” said Grammy show producer Ken Ehrlich.
Whitney’s family sent their thank you statement for all the tributes and appreciations Grammy and music industry pours for the pop icon.
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Whitney. This is an unimaginable tragedy and we will miss her terribly. We appreciate the outpouring of love and support from her fans and friends.”
Mitch and Janis Winehouse, Amy’s parents, went up on stage to receive the gramophone for Best Pop Duo or Group Performance Award. Amy was awarded on her ‘Body and Soul’ duet with Tony Bennet.
“Long live Whitney Houston. Long live Amy Winehouse and long live Etta James. There’s a beautiful girl band up there.”
Etta James was also appreciated by a tribute – with Alicia Keys and Bonnie Rait singing ‘A Sunday Kind of Love’. Before hitting the piano, Alicia nodded to Whitney: “We love Whitney Houston.”
Indeed. For Jennifer Hudson reportedly broke down in tears during ‘I Will Always Love You’ rehearsal for her Whitney tribute performance. View her performance in this post.
What goes live on stage
Bruce Springsteen set the mood for the evening with his high-energy performance of ‘We Take Care of Our Own’.
Rihanna and Coldplay lived up to the high expectations of their Grammy collaboration – with the full force medley performance including We Found Love, Princess of China, and Paradise.
“Get off your rich asses and let’s have some fun, y’all!” shouted 6-time Grammy nominee Bruno Mars in a gold suit, before starting his full band 60s homage performance.
R&B star / Rihanna’s ex, Chris Brown, shakes the stage with his new single ‘Turn Up The Music’. Celebrities are raving about the dance-ful performance. “OMG @ that chris brown performance. >>>>>>>> SHUT DOOWWWNNNN” (@NICKIMINAJ)
The Beach Boys reunited and performed ‘Good Vibrations’, joined by Mark Foster and Maroon5′s Adam Levine.
The fashion hits and misses
The passing of Whitney Houston influenced the Grammy red carpet which appears to be more understated this year, with lots of black ensembles seen walking the red carpet.
Pretty in black
Adele looks slimmer and fresher than ever with her sparkling long black dress. The red lips – va va voom! That is what we are talking about when we say the right shade of red lipstick.
White with a vengeance
Not many nailed the white this year. Carrie Underwood gets an easy win with a sparkly, dreamy, queen-like dress.
The trends..from an unknown planet
These stars really know how to turn heads – in a positive or negative light, we let you be the judge.
Fergie
Nicki Minaj
Bonnie McKee
Adele’s big night and Whitney tribute at the Grammy Awards 2012 http://t.co/zCiKBjh3