The Grammy awards usually are boringly predictable; refreshingly, the 2011 Grammy awards offered a few surprises.
The ceremony started with Rapper LL Cool J introducing Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Florence Welch of Florence + The Machine, Martina McBride and Yolanda Adams, who performed a musical tribute to Aretha Franklin.
Cee Lo Green performed his song, “Forget You,” for which he won a Grammy later in the night, with Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow and a chorus of muppets. Paltrow’s performance itself was Grammy-worthy, and Green’s loud, sequined outfit — complete with feathered headdress — made the collaboration the hit of the night. Rihanna — who won Best Dance Recording for her song “Only Girl (In The World)” — and Drake’s performance of “What’s My Name?” will be remembered for a long time.
Lady Gaga arrived at the Grammys in an egg, “hatched” on stage, and then performed her new song “Born This Way.” The evergreen greats Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan and Barbra Streisand also rocked the show.
Lady Antebellum was one of the big winners and took home four Grammys, comprising the most coveted of Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Lady Gaga and Jay-Z won three Grammys.
Justin Bieber returned home empty-handed when Esperanza Spalding won the Best New Artist category by virtual unknown which caused a minor uproar on Twitter. Katy Perry also failed win a Grammy inspite of four nominations. Arcade Fire was awarded the Album of the Year. British band Muse — also first time performers at the awards — took home Best Rock Album.