The opening number definitely set the tone as the Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani and Eve, Los Lonely Boys, Maroon 5 and Franz Ferdinand all performed. It culminated with all 4 (Gwen and Eve were not to be seen) performing their songs all at the same time.
Queen Latifah hosted, but she was just a transitionary tool as much was to be desired with her scripted material. So what owned the night was the performances, the production numbers and the few surprises along the way. Here are a few high notes and some other observations:
+ The 1st Ray Charles Tribute: Jamie Foxx, Alicia Keys, and Quincy Jones put on an emotional and powerful performance, which seemed to mix the classic "Georgia" with another song I am not familiar with. Favorite part: "Oh...Alicia!" Only minus: it was only 2 minutes or so long. +Prince beating Usher. Serves him right. Heck I like Usher's songs, but he has gotten way too arrogant. +Usher's performance...yes, he's arrogant and he doesn't have the best voice, but those dance moves with James Brown kept the energy up. Favorite part: the Trampoline. +Kanye West's performance...ambitious and well-conceived. +John Mayer's wins...2 for 2 and Song of the Year! Wow... -J LO and Marc Anthony...supposedly there was hype behind this performance, but I couldn't tell. -The Southern Rock tribute which followed...I don't know, but a friend of mine was disgusted by the fact that neither Freebird nor Sweet Home Alabama featured the solos which they are famous for. -----(yes 5 minuses) the Tsunami Relief performance...all for a good cause, but it was a huge disaster. None of them came out on the good end of the singing stick.
Despite the nice surprises, the Grammys ended up playing conservative in the end. It would have been nice to see Kanye West or the other nominees for Record and Album of the year to win, but when a musical legend like Ray Charles dies, it's hard to ignore the temptation to honor his departing gift to the industry.
