Dixie Chicks Sweep Grammys
The Dixie Chicks, who suffered a country backlash over lead singer Natalie Maines' criticism of President Bush in 2003, solidified their comeback with a sweep of all five categories for which they were nominated at the 49th Annual Grammy awards Sunday night in Los Angeles.
The country trio won record of the year, song of the year and best country song by a duo or group with vocal for "Not Ready To Make Nice," and album of the year and best country album for "Taking the Long Road Home."
"I think people are using their freedom of speech here at this awards. I'm very humbled. I think people were using their voice the same way this loudmouth did," Natalie Maines said through tears as she accepted the album of the year award.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers won best rock album for "Stadium Arcadium," and picked up three wins in the pre-telecast awards ceremony, including best rock performance by a duo or group for "Dani California."
The top nominee going into the show, Mary J. Blige, took home a total of three awards. She started the night with eight nominations.
Blige won best R&B album for "The Breakthrough" and best R&B female vocal performance for "Be Without You." She also picked up an award for best R&B song for "Be Without You" prior to the telecast.
"(This album) has not only shown who I am as an artist, writer and performer, it's shown that I am growing into a better human being," she said, accepting the award for best R&B album from the Black Eyed Peas. "For so many years I have been talked about negatively, but this year I have been talked about positively by so many people."
Blige thanked a long list of people before the music began playing - louder and louder - to signal her exit from the stage. Somehow, she managed to finish her list before she left.
Photos from the Grammy red carpet
The Police opened the show, with a reunion performance that won them a standing ovation from the crowd.
"We are the Police, and we're back!" shouted Sting, as the trio performed their early hit "Roxanne." They are set to go on a comeback tour this year.
"Keep it going, keep it going for The Police now," said Jamie Foxx as he stepped out to present the evening's first award.
It was two legends, Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder, who picked up the first trophy, best pop collaboration with vocals for "For Once In My Life" from Bennett's "Duets" album.
During the show, younger artists introduced the Grammy lifetime achievement winners while established artists introduced the performances of younger musical acts.
Prince introduced Beyonce, and Stevie Wonder introduced a performance by Corrine Bailey Rae, John Legend, and John Mayer. Pink and T.I. paid tribute to the Doors, and The Black Eyed Peas honored Booker T & The MGs.
The Dixie Chicks were introduced by folk singer Joan Baez, who expressed her admiration for the outspoken group as she referred to her own role in protesting the Vietnam war, saying many times she was asked to "shut up and sing."
Ludacris, no stranger to controversy himself, won best rap album for "Release Therapy."
Photos from the Grammy show
On a more serious note, the rapper, whose birth name is Chris Bridges, dedicated his award to his dad. "This goes out to my father, who is in critical condition right now. I appreciate your prayers, Mr. Wayne Bridges, I love you to death."
The evening had its share of interesting performances.
Carrie Underwood, who was named best new artist, joined Rascal Flatts to perform a medley of songs in tribute to two Grammy lifetime achievement honorees, Bob Wills and Don Henley. Underwood showed range by performing Wills' traditional country tunes and the country rock of the Eagles with equal ease.
After they finished, Christina Aguilera, in a white three-piece suit, rose from below the stage to bring the house down with "It's A Man's, Man's, Man's World" in tribute to the late James Brown.
Ludacris performed his "Runaway Love" with the record's featured artist, Mary J. Blige, backed by Earth, Wind & Fire. A row of girls holding candles appeared on the stage, representing the troubled teens addressed in the song.
Dressed like airplane pilots, the funk/electronica duo Gnarls Barkley performed their hit "Crazy" with a full choir and orchestra.
Justin Timberlake accompanied himself on the piano as he began his song "What Goes Around Comes Around."
Timberlake came back later to sing with Robin Troup, 19, of Houston, the winner of the "My Grammy Moment" online contest.
While Timberlake played guitar, they sang the Bill Withers classic, "Ain't No Sunshine" and then were joined by rapper T.I. for "My Love."
"This is just the most amazing thing that ever happened to me," she said after the show. In addition to performing with Timberlake, Troup won a Chevy HHR.
Shakira, decked out in a gold lame two-piece belly dancing outfit, joined Wyclef Jean to perform their song "Hips Don't Lie."
Carrie Underwood was among the winners of the 108 Grammys announced during the "pre-show" ceremony, held a few hours before the nationally televised event.Grammy winners list
Underwood won best female country vocal performance for her hit "Jesus Take the Wheel."
"This is my first Grammy! Hopefully the first of a few more," said Underwood, the 2005 "American Idol" champ, who also singled out "Idol" creator Simon Fuller in her acceptance speech. (Last year, another "Idol" champ, Kelly Clarkson, was criticized for not paying tribute to her "Idol" roots.)
Madonna, Justin Timberlake, and Beyonce each won "pre-show" awards. Gnarls Barkley's two awards included a win for alternative music album. Another double winner was rapper T.I.
Irma Thomas, known as the Queen of New Orleans Soul and a Hurricane Katrina survivor, was a tearful winner for best contemporary blues album for "After the Rain."
Ike Turner also picked up a Grammy, for best traditional blues album, which his son produced. "Wow, I really don't know what to say and I'm scared to death," said the rock pioneer.
But most of the major names who were winners in the pre-telecast were not on hand, which did not go unnoticed by Lynn Redgrave, one of the presenters.
Photos from Clive Davis' Pre-Grammy bash
"I wish these guys would show up so I could say hello!" she joked after announcing a win by an absent Bob Dylan, for best contemporary folk/Americana album.