The Grammys Celebrate 50 Years

With performances by Beyonce and Tina Turner, Rihanna, Kanye's emotional tribute to his "mama," and Amy Winehouse's much-anticipated (via-satellite) performance, (not to mention her shout-out to incarcerated hubby Blake) the Grammys were definitely something to tune into last night.

Although not present in L.A., but rather in her hometown of London, Winehouse almost had a clean sweep, winning five out of the six awards she was nominated for, including record of the year, song of the year, and best new artist.

Kanye dominated the Grammys as well, winning four awards, including best rap album and best rap solo performance. Not only did he pay tribute to his late mother Donda in song, but also spoke to her in his acceptance speech.

Carrie Underwood went home with two awards, best female vocal performance and best country song for "Before He Cheats" and Alicia Keys, who opened the show singing with a virtual Frank Sinatra, took home the prize for best R&B song for "No One" as well as best female R&B vocal performance.

The last award of the night was given to the very surprised jazz artist Herbie Hancock for album of the year, beating out both Winehouse and West.

Other winners included:
Best male pop vocal performance: Justin Timberlake
Producer of the year, non-classical: Mark Ronson
Best Pop performance by a duo or group with vocals: Maroon 5
Best rock album: Foo Fighters
Best contemporary R&B album: Ne-Yo
Best rap/sung collaboration: "Umbrella," Rihanna featuring Jay-Z
Best male country vocal performance: Keith Urban
Best country album: "These Days," Vince Gill

For a complete list of last night's Grammy winners click here.

Below are a few pictures from the evening as well as some of the key performances of the night...

Carrie Underwood looking gorgeous as always on the red carpet




















Beyonce shows off her new lighter locks




















Fergie looks oh so G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S




















Rihanna looking fun and flirty in Zac Posen





















Amy Winehouse singing "You Know I'm No Good" and "Rehab"



Beyonce performing with Tina Turner



Rihanna with her hit "Umbrella" and "Don't Stop the Music" (as well as performing with The Time)



Kanye West with "Stronger" followed by an emotional tribute to his late mother



And one of my favorite performances of the night, Timothy T. Mitchum and Carol Woods sing "Let It Be" from the motion picture Across the Universe, as the Grammys celebrated the old and the new in their 50th anniversary show


- Erin Dustin