The 50th Annual Grammy Awards Round-Up (With Updated Links)

So, Janet Jackson didn't perform. Michael Jackson didn't even show up. Heck, even Mary J. Blige didn't make it. And Amy Winehouse swept. The Grammys this year, as they seemingly have for a while now, sucked. Apparently, I'm not the only 1 who thinks so, either. Still, here are 3 of the best performances of the night for your viewing pleasure:

Beyonce & Tina Turner "Proud Mary" (Pt. 2)

Kanye West "Stronger" (Pt. 1)

Fergie & John Legend "Finally"

Though I figured out a few years back that the awards will always be given to the worst and/or oldest nominees in each category, I watched this year, not only for that *surprise* Janet performance (I'm still waiting...), but because I figured they might not completely suck for their 50th anniversary, considering all the special events planned, but I was sadly mistaken. The best of the night were Beyonce and Tina's mediocre duet, Kanye's surprisingly cool "Stronger" offering, and Fergie's not-too-great singing with John Legend's excellent piano playing. Here are the night's other performances...

Beyonce's (odd) Intro / Tina Turner (Pt. 1)
HERE

Kanye West "Hey Mama" (Pt. 2)
HERE

Alicia Keys & Frank Sinatra
HERE

Alicia Keys & (randomly) John Mayer "No One"
HERE

Rihanna (lookin' like a boy in a potato sack) "Umbrella/Don't Stop The Music"
HERE

Carrie Underwood('s enjoyable performance of) "Before He Cheats"
HERE

Before the show, the stars arrived and many displayed new looks. Keyshia Cole debuted her new black hair, which I liked. Fantasia's new hair, on the other hand ... too unique for words. Love her, but ... ya. Beyonce looked, imo, great. I loved everything about it. She changed it up, which is cool. I must say, though, that I do also like her with that black hair. In related news, Whitney Houston showed up at Clive Davis' Pre-Grammy Party looking awesome. Can't wait for her comeback!

To be quite honest, short of Jennifer Hudson's "Love You I Do" winning Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media, nothing won that is even worth mentioning. One notable award, though, was Best Score Soundtrack Album, received by Ratatouille, the Disney/Pixar movie that could, which also picked up 9 Annies, including Best Animated Feature, and the BAFTA (British Oscar) in the same category. (I guess it was only a good night for movie music then!) As the latter show is typically a good indicator of the Oscar results, good luck to Ratatouille at winning that one, too!