The Grammys are “Dead & Gone,” a song some would say holds true to the awards given out last night and the supposed mission of the recording academy. Others would say the Grammys were great. But before we start slinging mud, let’s take a look back at the top 10 moments including the unexpected wins, losses and well egos that always provide hilarity, even if just for a brief second… plus a few behind the scenes items not posted elsewhere. 1. Jennifer Hudson Accepts Best R&B Album From Whitney Houston ! J-Hud kicked the night off as a winner, not only that…she received the award for Best R&B Album from legendary singer Whitney Houston. Both Hudson and Houston looked amazing at the awards, donning well put together outfits and smiles to match, the opening of the show couldn’t have been any better. According to the AP, Hudson gushed: “I’m just in awe right now. … I would like to thank my family in heaven and those who are here today.” 2. Jazmine Sullivan and Leona Lewis Snubbed ? What happened to Jazmine Sullivan and Leona Lewis.. is a question on many minds. Both songbirds, one nominated for a near leading five awards, were completely shut out at the Grammys despite garnering much attention and praise from critics on their respective efforts “Fearless” and “Spirit”. The biggest upset of the night, according to fans, was Jazmine Sullivan loosing both Best R&B Album and Best New Artist. 3. Kanye West Still Salty About ‘Best New Artist’ Just when you though Kanye was free of ‘Award Bashing,’ the “Heartless” star had some salty words for the Grammys while presenting Best New Artist. In case you missed it, Kanye and singer Estelle (who won Best Rap/Sung Collaboration…her first award) presented the award for Best New Artist, and couldn’t resist slamming Grammy for bestowing the honor to past winners John Legend and Amy Winehouse “but somehow, not to either one of us.” 4. Al Green Got ‘The Call’ Reverend Al Green got a call (not from the lord this time) and saved the day: “I was in the shower and didn’t have anything on, and they said, ‘Whatever you have, throw it in the bag and come on,’ ” Green said backstage about getting the call to perform. He said he was not given an explanation of the last-minute invite. “We had two hours and 40 minutes to rehearse, come back onstage and change and then go out and do it.” Green, who released the hit album “Lay It Down” last year, picked up two awards including Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance. He’ll share his award wins with Anthony Hamilton and John Legend. 5. The Jonas Brothers Lost Best New Artist … what ? Several critics said the Jonas Brothers were a shoe in for Best New Artist. But in traditional Grammy fashion they were surprisingly trumped by Brit-sensation Adele. 6. Lil Wayne, T.I., Kanye, Jay-Z and a very pregnant M.I.A. rock the stage. M.I.A. said she was going on stage no matter what and it looks like the Grammy-nominee made it through the entire night without going into labor. M.I.A, Lil Wayne, T.I., Kanye West and Jay-Z rocked the stage with their hit “Swagga Like Us” to the praise of the audience and many viewers at home. 7. Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige Missing But Winning.. Grammy veterans Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige were missing from this year’s Grammys but their 2008 albums were apparently worthy enough of awards. Alicia Keys’ empowering hit “Superwoman” won for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and Mary J. Blige took home Best Contemporary R&B Album for “Growing Pains”. 8. Ne-Yo Says Thank God For “Miss Independent” R&B singer/songwriter is probably thanking god for the song “Miss Independent”. Had it not been for that song Ne-Yo would have been snubbed just like Jazmine Sullivan, who lost in five categories. Ne-Yo ended up taking home the award for Best R&B Song and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for you guessed it… “Miss Independent”. 9. Boyz II Men Overlooked By Nearly Every Media Outlet ! Either they didn’t care or they just weren’t paying attention when Boyz II Men hit the stage at the Grammys. Like Al Green, Justin Timberlake and Keith Urban, Boyz II Men saved the Grammys by replacing the now infamous gap left by Chris Brown and Rihanna’s canceled performances. We saw you Boyz II Men ! 10. Yolanda Adams’ Pre-Telecast Blunder For anyone who saw the pre-telecast, which was nicely streamed online this year, Yolanda Adams gave everyone a chance to laugh while presenting an award to Jazz artist Terence Blanchard. Adams, who had already presented about 4 or 5 awards, was instructed by Grammy officials to accept awards for those who were either had a hard time getting to the stage or not present. Unfortunately for Terence Blanchard, Yolanda proceeded to move on to the next award while he was running from the back of the auditorium. When the audience screamed “he’s coming” Adams blurted out the statement “Why do ya’ll have the man sitting in the back anyway”…. she later went on to say she was just “joking,” but only after stating “where is he coming from (highway) I-10 ?”. Blanchard eventually reached the podium, nearly out of breath from running, to accept his award stating “I will catch my breath later”. Honorable Mention: – Heavy D Gone Reggae ? 90s star Heavy D issued an interesting performance during the Grammy Pre-Telecast. You can watch it at Grammy.com. – Four Tops Win First Grammy Ever ? While this should be in the Top 10, I must at least point out that the Four Tops won their first award ever last night. Unfortunately, only one member was left to receive the award which ended up being a Lifetime Achievement Award. Gospel/Inspirational group The Blind Boys of Alabama also received a Lifetime Achievement Award. What was you’re favorite or least favorite Grammy moment(s) ?
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