The whole story line dramatically changed a day before the event. When Whitney Houston died on Saturday in Los Angeles - not far from the Staples Center, where the ceremony was held - a pall was suddenly cast over last night’s 54th Grammy Awards.
Houston’s legacy and the sense of loss her death imparted loomed large, from the live performances to acceptance speeches. Jennifer Hudson even re-created, almost note for note, Houston’s signature rendition of “I Will Always Love You.’’
Early in the evening, Grammy host LL Cool J recited a somber prayer in Houston’s honor; from that moment on, the attention turned from tragedy to celebration. There were triumphs to behold, particularly for the woman who set the charts, and hearts, on fire this past year.
As widely expected, British singer-songwriter Adele made a clean sweep, winning all six awards for which she was nominated, matching Beyoncé’s record for the most wins by a female act in a single night.
Meanwhile, rock band Foo Fighters scored five wins out of their six nominations, among them best rock album, best rock song, and best rock performance.
Adele was initially overcome with emotion as she accepted the award for best pop solo performance for “Someone Like You.’’ She gained her composure soon enough as she went on to win the top three awards, including album (“21’’), record (“Rolling in the Deep’’), and song of the year (again for “Rolling in the Deep,’’ this time honoring the songwriter).
After indie-rock band Arcade Fire scored an upset win in 2011 for album of the year, Adele’s broad victory was reassurance that the Recording Academy values an artist who has the best of both worlds: millions of fans and the platinum sales to prove it.
In her first public performance since having throat surgery in Boston last year, Adele was golden as she climbed the peaks of “Rolling in the Deep.’’ The look on her face, and the tears in her eyes once she finished, suggested she was back where she belongs.
Going into the ceremony, Kanye West led the field with seven nominations, most of which were in the various rap categories. He won four Grammys, but didn’t even show up (sour grapes?), and neither did Jay-Z, his recent collaborator and tour-mate. They won for best rap performance for “Otis’’ from their joint album, “Watch the Throne.’’ Despite being worthy, West’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’’ wasn’t nominated for album of the year, though it did cinch the award for best rap album.