USA: 49th Annual Grammy Awards produces surprise wins and provides the celebrity-studded crowd with plenty of lively song and dance numbers

Record ID: 644869

  • Title: USA: 49th Annual Grammy Awards produces surprise wins and provides the celebrity-studded crowd with plenty of lively song and dance numbers
  • Date: 13th February 2007
  • Summary: PULL-OUT ON SINGER MARY J. BLIGE
  • Embargoed: 28th February 2007 12:00
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  • Location: Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Reuters ID: LVACANEU451WHMIADYIJUOOF7RSU
  • Story Text: The 49th Annual Grammy Awards produced plenty of red carpet moments, the usual surprise wins and shut-outs and several show-stopping performances.

    The 49th Annual Grammy Awards got underway Sunday night (February 11th) in Los Angeles. Veterans and newcomers alike from the world of music paraded down the red carpet amidst the usual fanfare. A highlight of the night for many was the much-anticipated performance of The Police, together again 30 years after first forming in the U.K.
    Hip hop rapper Wyclef Jean was one of many who expressed enthusiasm at the prospect of seeing the legendary band play live again.
    "Every year you know the Grammys is happening, you're like, what's next, what's next," said Jean. "Um I, I, I look. For me, the Police is the high. Like you can't get no higher than the Police. So I'm going to be like a 14-year-old kid today. I don't know about you, but I'm gonna be out of my seat like 'Roxanne, put on your red...' Drive me crazy."
    Colombian pop phenomenon Shakira was excited about both The Police reunion and performing at the show along with a dear friend.
    "The Police. Cause I'm a big fan of theirs. And my own performance as well cause I just hope everything comes out all right. And I'm very, very glad that I'll be performing and sharing the stage with my friend Wyclef Jean, who I love."
    Singer Mary J. Blige, nominated for eight Grammys this year, said she is pleased to have gotten multiple nods after a career that has spanned 15 years, and also about seeing Sting and company strike up the band.
    "I'm feeling really, really good, and happy and full. And that's it. (Who do you want to see perform tonight?) The Police. (Any of the awards?) They all mean pretty much the same, but record of the year would be nice."
    British Newcomer Corinne Bailey Rae was looking forward to being part of the festivities, as well as being able to sing for the musical greats she most admires.
    "Today the focus for me is the performance. You know for the first time in my life I get to play at The Grammys in front of Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones, and like all my musical heroes so I'm playing with John Legend and John Mayer, playing a song that I wrote myself, I play guitar, you know. So, it's just heavy, you know. And the thing I'm looking forward to is that performance. And just wondering what that will feel like."
    Meanwhile, English singer-songwriter James Blunt said he was happy to be there for both the show and the post-show celebrations.
    "I'm just enjoying being here actually. You know, I, I've been to the Grammys before. It's really special to back again. And I never thought that time that I'd be back here playing or nominated. So yeah, fun. And looking forward to the after parties."
    R&B singer Mary J. Blige, nominated for eight Grammys, took home Best R&B album, here first award in more than 15 years of making music. In an emotional acceptance speech, Blige acknowledged her faith, family and friends.
    "Thank you. I just have to thank my Father, God, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is the first time I've ever been up here to receive anything."
    Hollywood "it" girl Beyonce took the stage by storm, belting out her signature song "Listen" from the award-winning musical "Dreamgirls."
    Justin Timberlake, who took home two Grammys, sang "What Goes Around Comes Around," a ballad off his hit album "Future Love/Sex Sounds."
    Latin American pop diva, Shakira, put on a lively show, singing and dancing to her song "Hips Don't Lie" with friend Wyclef Jean rapping in the background.
    The surprise winners of the night were the country trio Dixie Chicks, who were awarded in all five categories for which they received nominations, including the coveted Album of the Year. The outspoken group saw their music careers nearly grind to a halt after lead singer Natalie Maines criticized President George Bush at a 2003 concert.
    Maines summed up how she felt in a burst of inspiration.
    "I'm ready to make nice!"
    Rapper Ludacris, who won Best Rap Album for "Release Therapy," dedicated his trophy to his ill father.
    "This goes out to my father. This goes out to my father."
    Meanwhile, Carrie Underwood got more than her fair share of the spotlight. The American Idol winner performed a tribute to the Eagles with the Rascal Flatts.
    Her Grammy victories on Sunday underscored the growing impact the hit TV talent show is having on U.S. pop culture, while the awards telecast even borrowed a page from the series with its own amateur contest.
    Underwood, who won season four of the Fox network's blockbuster singing competition, took home awards for best female country vocal performance and best new artist, becoming the latest in a growing list of "Idol" victors to earn Grammy recognition.
    "Thank you god. Thank you mom and dad. Thank you Simon Fuller who created the show American Idol that got me here."
    Christina Aguilera, who won the Best New Artist Grammy seven years ago, snagged the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Ain't No Other Man." In a tribute to James Brown, Aguilera, in dazzling white suit, offered a scorching (and screaming) version of "It's a Man's Man's World.
    British singer-songwriter James Blunt, who performed his signature song "You're Beautiful," was nominated for six Grammy Awards but went home empty-handed tonight.
    Meanwhile, American mainstays The Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were also up for six Grammys, won three, including Best Rock Album.
    "Love to all. Good will and peace and love to every living thing."
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