In what is normally a clean and celebratory night at the Grammys, this year’s Grammys may be remembered more for its backstage drama and surprising losses. Chris Brown and Rihanna, two of 2008s most successful stars quickly became the talk of the weekend after canceling their highly anticipated performances. Brown, who was spotted rather comfortable with gal pal Rihanna at a pre-grammy party celebrating Clive Davis, became a wanted man after police reported that the singer was allegedly involved in a domestic violence/battery case early Sunday morning. While police say the woman, who identified the “Forever” singer, was visibly injured, her name or likeness will not be released due to California laws. Despite the surprising cancellations and wanted status of the Grammy Winning “Run It” singer, the 51st Annual Grammy Awards went on with a few adjustments. Opened by U2, the Grammys quickly kicked into high gear with a surprise appearance from Whitney Houston. Houston, who performed a medley of hits including “I Will Always Love You” the night before, presented the award for Best R&B Album… an award that wound up going to Jennifer Hudson. Thanking god and her late mother, brother and nephew, Hudson accepted the award and was humbled to be receiving it from Whitney Houston. Later in the ceremony, which televised a mere 10 awards, Lil Wayne picked up honors for Best Rap Song. While “The Carter III” star only picked up one award during the broadcast, he managed to take home a total of four awards. Lil Wayne, like fellow nominees Ne-Yo, Al Green and Mary J. Blige, was awarded during a special Grammy pre-telecast where Grammy organizers gave out 100 of the 110 awards it offered this year. Al Green, who joined Justin Timberlake and Boyz II Men as a fill in for Chris Brown and Rihanna’s canceled performances, earned his first R&B labeled Grammy for collaborative efforts with John Legend and Anthony Hamilton. Missing from this year’s winners, albeit shocking, were Jazmine Sullivan and Leona Lewis. The “Bust Your Windows” and “Bleeding Love” singers, who had been nominated for several awards, were completely shut out, as were singers Trey Songz, Erykah Badu, J. Holiday, and Usher. On a bright note, R&B/Rap star Estelle managed to earn her first Grammy for the hit single “American Boy” (Best Rap/Sung Collaboration). Here is full list of the night’s (notable) winners: * For a complete listing please visit Grammy.com Album of the Year: “Raising Sand,” Robert Plant and Alison Krauss Rap Album: “Tha Carter III,” Lil Wayne Male Pop Vocal Performance: “Say,” John Mayer Record of the Year: “Please Read The Letter,” Robert Plant and Alison Krauss New Artist: Adele Rock Album: “Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends,” Coldplay (Capitol) Pop Collaboration With Vocals: “Rich Woman,” Robert Plant and Alison Krauss Song of the Year: “Viva La Vida,” Coldplay R&B Album: “Jennifer Hudson,” Jennifer Hudson (Arista) Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Rick Rubin Female Pop Vocal Performance: “Chasing Pavements,” Adele Pop Vocal Album: “Rockferry,” Duffy (Mercury) Rap Solo Performance: “A Milli,” Lil Wayne Rap Performance by a Duo or Group: “Swagga Like Us,” Jay-Z and T.I. featuring Kanye West and Lil Wayne Rap/Sung Collaboration: “American Boy,” Estelle featuring Kanye West, track from “Shine” Rap Song: “Lollipop,” Lil Wayne R&B Song: “Miss Independent,” Ne-Yo Contemporary R&B Album: “Growing Pains,” Mary J. Blige (Geffen) Female R&B Vocal Solo: “Superwoman,” Alicia Keys, track from “As I Am” (J) Male R&B Vocal Solo: “Miss Independent,” Ne-Yo, track from “Year of the Gentleman” R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals: “Stay With Me (By the Sea),” Al Green featuring John Legend, track from “Lay It Down” (Blue Note) Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: “You’ve Got the Love I Need,” Al Green featuring Anthony Hamilton, track from “Lay It Down” (Blue Note) Urban/Alternative Performance: “Be OK,” Chrisette Michele featuring will.i.am Traditional Pop Vocal Album: “Still Unforgettable,” Natalie Cole * Click Here for a list of this year’s Gospel/Inspirational Winners.
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