The Collegian

Issue date: 2/18/05 Section: No Limits

Brian Wilson, wins a Grammy for "Best Rock Instrumental Performance" for the song, "Mrs. O´Leary´s Cow."

"Did anyone see the Grammys last night?" was the question I was asked at work over and over again. Fortunately, I caught the show on time. There were moments during which I was speechless and moments I covered my mouth (in a good sense). The highlight of the Grammy Awards was when actor Jamie Foxx, singer/songwriter Alicia Keys, and producer Quincy Jones performed "Georgia, On My Mind," a tribute to the great Ray Charles. Charles won all eight of his nominations, including Album of the Year.

There were parts for everyone, whether you are a lover of Rock, Alternative, R&B, Gospel, Rap, and/or Soul. John Mayer won Song of the Year with his hit "Daughters." Other winners included Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Maroon Five, Usher, and Prince.

Kanye West won best rap album following his incredible gospel rendition of his hit "Jesus Walks." I truly am a fan of West, "conceited" or humble. West has the right to show off his art as he is a talented producer, writer, and rapper. The messages in his songs deserve to be listened to and recognized.

At first, I felt as if Kanye West deserved to win as many awards as he was nominated, but then I saw who won the awards for the categories in which West had the privilege to be nominated, such as Maroon 5 for Best New Artist, and the puzzle fell into place. Each artist deserved the award(s) he or she won.

The show began with five bands performing on various stages. Kicking the show off was the Black Eyed Peas, with their recent hit "Let's Get It Started." Following, Gwen Stefani and Eve's performance of "Rich Girl" on a stage decorated in bling and a pirate theme, as in the music video.

They were followed by Latin rockers Los Lonely Boys. Los Lonely Boys sang a bilingual edition of "Heaven." Maroon 5, winners of Best New Artist, appeared next. Front man Adam Levine dressed in an old school clean suit thought to be from the 70s. Finishing the back-to-back performances was Franz Ferdinand, who performed their song "Take Me Out."

There were many sensational performances. For the R&B lovers and Usher fans, such as myself, Usher performed his recent hit single, "Caught Up," and introduced and shared the stage with the godfather of soul, James Brown. James Brown proudly announced Usher as the "godson of soul."

For the alternative and rock lovers, there were performances by U2 and Green Day. Green Day earned a standing ovation after performing their controversial and explosive track, "American Idiot."

Other great performances included a Spanish duet by the couple Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez. A duet with Joss Stone, best new artist nominee, and Melissa Etheridge, which has been recently diagnosed with breast cancer, performed a tribute to Janis Joplin.

For a lengthy list of the nominees and the winners of the 47th Grammy Awards, check out the Grammy's website. www.grammy.com.

If you missed out on the award show, don't stress, you can check out live performances on www.mtvnews.com.

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