10 Great Grammy Moments

The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony impressed this year. While there were of course some stand-out

performances, all of them, in my opinion, were pretty

knock-'em-dead—well, all but Taylor Swift's, who perhaps needs to step

up her game when 1) singing with Stevie Nicks and 2) performing on the

same stage and to the same audience as Lady Gaga and Beyonc© (she could

at least wear a glittery leotard!). But, I admit: I'm kind of an easy

crowd. If all else about last night had failed, I would have still been

thrilled about the oversize shoulder pad trend. But, luckily, all else

did not fail. Let's recap last night's magical moments:

1. The Lady Gaga and Elton John Piano Duet

Their dual stage presence alone was enough to send fans reeling. As

they sat face-to-face at their respective baby grands—peering at each

other through the mangle of manikin arms and mingling each other's

names into their songs—I couldn't help but think: 1) See? Even Elton

John likes Lady Gaga, and 2) I want those glittery glasses!

2. Stephen Colbert's Daughter

I didn't mind how he worked his daughter into his opening and award

acceptance speech—in fact, I thought it kind of worked. I especially

liked when he told her to have fun and then, in a suddenly parental

tone, told her to "stay away from Katy Perry." A low blow, though Perry took it like a

sport; when the camera rolled her way, she was all smiles.

3. Stephen Colbert's iPad

I didn't expect him to pull out the latest Apple gadget from the side

pocket of his blazer, but I'm always up for a funny plug. "Jay-Z—did you

not get one of those in your gift bag?"

4. Taylor Swift's Good Sportsmanship As they announced Single Ladies

as the song of the year, fellow nominee Taylor Swift, in top form as

usual, celebrated Beyonc©'s win and her own loss by performing the song's dance choreography as Beyonc©'s crew walked by to accept the award on her behalf.

5. Beyonc©'s Swagger As

Beyonc© walked from the smaller room-centered stage to the big stage to

begin her performance, surrounded by her line of guards, er, props, her

dramatic hip sway set the tone for the excitingly overwrought

performance and five (of 6) award wins to follow.

6. Pink's Performance

I liked everything about it, including: 1) That bod—where did her

fabulous figure come from? 2) Her vocals—she doesn't showcase their softer side too often, as her songs

are usually a bit screamy. 3) Trapeze swing. Need I say more?

7. Fergie's Costume

Well, the whole Black Eyed Peas performance was pretty cool—although, if I may, at this point I think we all pretty much understand that "…tonight's gonna be a good night."

Fergie looked fearless in her shiny black bodysuit, plus, I'm always

down for anything futuristic.

8. Bon Jovi We'll have to

give it up for the guy—after all, it was his first ever Grammy

performance throughout his long storied career, complete with most of

the tri-state area's favorite song: "Livin' on a Prayer." A sprinkle of

Sugarland on top sealed the deal.

9. Andrea Bocelli and Mary J. Blige

Bocelli's vocals never cease to amaze me. But I was more surprised by

how well he and singer Mary J. Blige blended their voices together.

Never would I have thought R&B and opera made such a good pair.

10. Dave Matthews Band

They've had a rough few years with the loss of their saxophonist LeRoi

Moore, but they were back and sweeter than ever, singing "You &

Me." But what truly completed the performance was, as usual, the

electric violinist Boyd Tinsley and that one overexcited backup

dancer—you know the one.

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