King of Pop’s kids, Paris and Prince Michael Jackson, at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards — Photo by Michael Caulfield at WireImage.com from http://www.grammy.com
The artistry of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, loomed large over the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, Sunday night, January 31. A nice star-studded musical tribute to the late superstar was followed by the appearance of his two oldest children on stage to accept the entertainer’s lifetime achievement award.
During his life, MJ was criticized for just about everything he did — including being a parent. However, those two adorable kids, Paris,11, and Prince Michael,12, would make any parent proud. Prince Michael declared they would carry on with their father’s love crusade. “We will continue to spread his message and help the world.”
Beyoncé at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards — Photo by Michael Caulfield/WireImage.com from http://www.grammy.com
It was a huge night for Beyoncé as well, who won an incredible six Grammys among them: best female pop vocal performance for “Halo,” best female R&B vocal performance, and song of the year for “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it). The song of the year award is for songwriting. Yes, Beyoncé is not only a talented performer, but a skilled writer as well. The singer co-wrote, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it),” a very catchy ditty that folks were humming and singing for months. I dug it, too.
Also, Beyoncé made Grammy history. She’s the first female to take home a half-dozen Grammys in one night.
Taylor Swift backstage at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards — Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com from http://www.grammy.com
Rising country star Taylor Swift was not far behind Beyoncé in the Grammy count. Swift took home four Grammys, including the night’s biggest award for album of the year for “Fearless.” Swift won trophies for best country album, best country song, and best female country vocal performance for “White Horse.” Swift is multi-talented as well. She co-wrote, “White Horse.”
Fellow “American Idol” alumnus and country star, Carrie Underwood, did not leave the Los Angeles’ Staples Center empty handed. Underwood and Randy Travis won the best country collaboration with vocals award for “I Told You So.” This Grammy goes to the artists who don’t usually perform together. Underwood and Travis were a perfect match for this bittersweet ballad. It’s one of the best duo performances in country, pop, or whatever. The song is one of my favorites from 2009.
For a great photo collection from the Grammys and a list of the major nominees and winners click here.