Worst Presenter: Katy Perry
She flubbed a couple of times and just looked awkward up there. But she shouldn’t fret about that, really, considering that she got a Record of the Year nomination for “Firework” and — yes — looked smashing, as usual.
Best Commercial Break Entertainment: Pink’s 2010 Grammy performance of “Glitter in the Air”
You didn’t see this, obviously, but old Grammy performances were shown during the commercial breaks, everything from Mick Jagger’s “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” in 2011 to Aretha Franklin’s choir-infused “Nessun Dorma” in 1998 and Cee Lo Green/Gwyneth Paltrow dueting to “Forget You” in 2011. But the most awe-inspiring: Pink’s trapeze stunts at the 2010 Grammys, which found her hanging from the ceiling, variously wet and unclothed, singing her soft ballad “Glitter in the Air.” I hadn’t forgotten what a wonder that performance was, but it was nice to be reminded of its genius.
Worst Performance: Rihanna singing “We Found Love” in London
Love this song so much, but this didn’t play well in the theater. (See above.) Rihanna needs to be live!
Best Mash-up: The Band Perry’s singing their original, “Independence,” with Tom Petty’s “Free Falling”
How cute was the trio of siblings? Apparently, they perform that “Independence”/”Free Falling” mix while touring, but it really worked on stage and caused much of the crowd to sing along — well, to the “Free Falling” portion, at least.
Best Make-You-Smile Collaboration: Jason Aldean and Ludacris singing “Dirt Road Anthem”
Just like how you enjoyed Nelly and Tim McGraw singing 2004′s “Over and Over” together, who can really keep a straight face during a rap-country collaboration? And if we can’t get Jason Aldean on stage with dream collaborator Kelly Clarkson (yay that “Don’t You Wanna Stay” got a nomination!), Ludacris is fine, I suppose. (Kidding! Love Luda.) And props to Ludacris, too, for getting the oftentimes morose crowd moving a bit — the first time, really, since Gaga brought them to their feet — after urging the in-studio audience to wave their arms back and forth. I’m happy to report that we all obliged.
Worst Did-You-See-It? Flub: Nicki Minaj’s name misspelled
Who cares, really? But I just thought it was odd to see Nicki’s Minaj’s name on the screen spelled “Niki” when the Best New Artist nominees were being announced. Nicki couldn’t have felt too good about that. Some poor production assistant’s head is probably rolling by this point.
Best Overall Collaboration: Grandmaster Flash, LL Cool J, Common, Lupe Fiasco singing “The Message”
What is there even to say? This collaboration ruled.
Best Surprise: Usher’s tribute to Jerry Leiber and Nick Ashford
In “in memoriam” segment of any awards show is usually — I can’t resist the pun — deadly. But Usher, collaborating with Lieber and Ashford’s writing partners Mike Stoller and Valerie Simpson, brought life to the tribute. “Stand by Me,” specifically, felt special, as the whole crowd in the Nokia Theater sang along quietly and, fittingly, ended the song without applause.
What’d you think of the show? What were the best and worst moments? Thoughts?
Read more:
Grammy nominees list 2012
