Mary J. Blige, Andrea Bocelli Offer Support To Haiti At The Grammys
January 31, 2010 by MTV News
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Their 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' will be available for download, with proceeds going to the Red Cross.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Mary J. Blige and Andrea Bocelli perform at the 2010 Grammy Awards
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
Mary J. Blige delivered yet again, this time with a moving performance of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" at Sunday night's (January 31) Grammy Awards, following her recent performance during the "Hope for Haiti Now" telethon.
Blige and opera star Andrea Bocelli stepped onstage after an introduction by Wyclef Jean and partnered for a heartfelt collaboration.
Blige has already contributed to the Haitian relief effort following the devastating earthquake that struck the tiny country. Her take on "Hard Times Come Again No More" was one of the highlights of the George Clooney-led occasion.
But Blige said the island nation needs continued support. The singer, along with a producer and record executive, thought the Grammy Awards would be another opportunity to raise awareness for Haiti. "Myself, David Foster and Ron Fair, we were brainstorming about the Grammys, and we felt that it was important for Haiti to understand that we are their bridge right now over troubled water," Blige told MTV News earlier this week about the number. "And we'll lay ourselves down for them to get over, and that's why we did it."
"Bridge Over Trouble Water" is the title track from Simon & Garfunkel's final studio album together, released in 1970, and won both Song of the Year and Record of the Year at the 1971 Grammy Awards. The fundraising tune will be released as an iTunes/Target.com download. All proceeds from its sale will go to the American Red Cross for earthquake recovery efforts in the devastated Caribbean island nation.
Stick with MTV News for our coverage of the 2010 Grammy Awards! We'll have reports on your favorite nominees, party photos, behind-the-scenes video and much more from the big show!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsParis, Prince Jackson Pay Tribute To Michael Jackson At Grammys
January 31, 2010 by MTV News
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MJ's children were joined onstage by cousins to accept the award on behalf of the late King of Pop.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Paris and Prince Michael Jackson at the 2010 Grammy Awards
Photo: Robyn Beck/ Getty Images
Despite Michael Jackson's constant shielding of his children from the spotlight during his lifetime, his kids have proven to be adept at handling their public appearances since their father passed away last year.
Prince and Paris Jackson accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the late King of Pop at the 2010 Grammy Awards. The pair sported red sashes on their arms to honor MJ and spoke in measured, well-mannered tones as the audience gave them standing ovations. They were joined onstage by a number of their cousins after Lionel Richie introduced the group following a star-studded performance of MJ's "Earth Song."
"We are proud to be here to accept this award on behalf of our father, Michael Jackson," older brother Prince said. "First of all, we'd like to thank God for watching over us for the past seven months. And our grandmother and grandfather for their love and support. We would also like to thank the fans. Our father loved you so much because you were always there for him. Our father was always concerned about the planet and humanity. Through all his hard work and dedication, he's helped with many charities and donated to all of them. Through all his songs his message was simple: love. We will continue to spread his message and help spread the word. Thank you. We love you, Daddy." Prince choked up during his speech but maintained his composure and showed admirable poise while he spoke.
Paris, who delivered a moving speech to her father during the Staples Center memorial service last summer, closed out the speech with a brief, reserved message to her father.
"Daddy was supposed to be here, Daddy was gonna perform this year," she said, keeping her composure. "He couldn't perform last year. Thank you, we love you, Daddy."
Stick with MTV News for our coverage of the 2010 Grammy Awards! We'll have reports on your favorite nominees, party photos, behind-the-scenes video and much more from the big show!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsMichael Jackson ‘Earth Song’ Grammy Tribute Focuses On His Love Of The Planet
January 31, 2010 by MTV News
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Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Carrie Underwood and more singers take part in the 3-D tribute.
By Shaheem Reid
Smokey Robinson, Usher and Carrie Underwood perform Michael Jackson's "Earth Song" at the 2010 Grammys
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ Getty Images
So much emotion came from the Michael Jackson tribute during the Grammy Awards on Sunday night (January 31). Lionel Richie — Jackson's longtime friend and "We Are The World" collaborator — introduced the set, saying Michael "dared to believe that he could make the world a better place."
As the performance began, we heard the timeless icon's voice talk about the how he hated pollution and destruction of the earth. "That stuff really bothers me," Jackson said in the recording. "That's why I write these kinda songs, to give some kind of awareness and awakening and hope to people. I love the planet. I love trees. When the colors are changing in the leaves, I love it." The recording led into Jackson's "Earth Song."
Usher followed up MJ's vocals, walking onstage singing, "Did you ever stop to notice/ All the blood we've shed before?/ Did you ever stop to notice/ The crying Earth, the weeping shores?"
"What have we done to the world?" Jackson's voice came back in. Behind the performers was a mini-movie, which was featured in the concert film "Michael Jackson's This Is It," playing on huge screens. The film was in 3-D, and you could see celebrities in the audience such as Beyoncé and Rihanna wearing 3-D glasses.
"What about flowering fields?" Carrie Underwood came out singing. "Is there a time?/ What about all the dreams/ That you said was yours and mine?" Jennifer Hudson then joined in, and Smokey Robinson came next.
As the song ended, they all turned, with their backs facing the audience, to look at photos of the late Jackson on screens that hung above the stage.
Jackson's children, Prince Michael and Paris, accepted a Grammy lifetime-achievement award for their father after the performance.
"Our father was always concerned about the planet and humanity," Prince said. "Through all his hard work and dedication, he has helped many charities and donated to all of them. Throughout his songs, his message was simple: love. We will continue to spread his message and help the world. Thank you. We love you, Daddy."
Stick with MTV News for our coverage of the 2010 Grammy Awards! We'll have reports on your favorite nominees, party photos, behind-the-scenes video and much more from the big show!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsGreen Day Preview American Idiot Musical At Grammys
January 31, 2010 by MTV News
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With '21 Guns,' the guys give a taste of the Michael Mayer-directed Broadway show, opening in April.
By Eric Ditzian
Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong performs with the cast of "American Idiot" at the 2010 Grammy Awards
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ WireImage
At the Grammy Awards on Sunday night (January 31), Green Day gave the world a preview of the musical based on their 2004 album American Idiot. Singing along with the cast of the show coming soon to Broadway, Billie Joe Armstrong and the band busted out "21 Guns," a cut off 21st Century Breakdown for which they all recorded a special version.
Directed by Tony-winning "Spring Awakening" helmer Michael Mayer, the show began a run at the Berkeley Repertory Theater in September 2009. Telling a story of love, loss and war, the musical integrates songs from American Idiot as well as 21st Century Breakdown and a never-released tune called "When It's Time." The production is set to begin previews at Manhattan's St. James Theatre in March 24 and then officially open on April 20.
"Michael Mayer is great; the cast is great," Armstrong told MTV News last year. "They're really passionate as artists. They put everything they possibly can into it. They're not trying to make it big and Hollywood. They're artists, and that's the most inspiring thing."
In a January statement announcing the move to Broadway, Mayer said, "Green Day's iconic album is one of the most brutally honest, eloquent and poetically theatrical responses to the post-9/11 world that I have encountered. I hear in these amazing songs the frustration and anger and dreams of a lost generation of Americans. Collaborating with Billie Joe and the band has been a mind-blowing thrill from day one."
Stick with MTV News for our coverage of the 2010 Grammy Awards! We'll have reports on your favorite nominees, party photos, behind-the-scenes video and much more from the big show!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsTaylor Swift Shares The Stage With Stevie Nicks At The Grammys
January 31, 2010 by MTV News
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After 'Today Was a Fairytale,' Swift is joined by the former Fleetwood Mac singer for 'Rhiannon' and 'You Belong With Me.'
By Eric Ditzian
Taylor Swift and Stevie Nicks perform at the 2010 Grammy Awards
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ WireImage
Little over an hour after accepting the Grammy Award for Best Country Album, comparing the win to an impossible dream, Taylor Swift took the stage at the Staples Center to perform a medley of her own tunes, as well as a song from one of her childhood heroes, who joined her onstage.
Ditching her sparkling evening gown for a more casual blouse-and-jeans combo, Swift took center stage with her guitar strapped to her shoulder for "Today Was a Fairytale." Swift then announced, "It's a fairly tale and an honor to share the stage with Stevie Nicks."
The former Fleetwood Mac singer then walked onstage. The two stood side by side, singing Fleetwood's "Rhiannon," at times a tad less harmonically than one would have hoped. Nonetheless, the women made for a compelling twosome, a portrait of two generations separated by years but drawn together by music.
Swift then grabbed her guitar for the third and final part in her medley, jumping into a twangy version of "You Belong With Me." Nicks stood back, tapping her tambourine and nodding in appreciation, every so often stepping up to the mic to share singing duties with the young artist.
At the end, Swift and Nicks embraced. It would have already been a killer night for the 20-year-old singer: Before her Best Country Album win (Fearless), she notched victories for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song ("White Horse"). But there's a lot more still to come, including Swift's battle for Album of the Year against Beyoncé, the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga and Dave Matthews Band.
Stick with MTV News for our coverage of the 2010 Grammy Awards! We'll have reports on your favorite nominees, party photos, behind-the-scenes video and much more from the big show!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsGrammy Red Carpet: The Best And Worst Fashion
January 31, 2010 by MTV News
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Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry made bold fashion statements to start off the big night.
By Jocelyn Vena
Katy Perry on the Grammy red carpet on Sunday
Photo: John Shearer/WireImage
Lady Gaga definitely ruled the Grammy Awards red carpet on Sunday night (January 31). The pop star and Grammy winner somehow manages to defy all the rules. Just when you think she's done everything bizarre there is to do in the world of fashion, she shows up in a silver dress that looks like a planet, may have been designed by classic Italian designer Armani and carried off a pointy chandelier like a common accessory.
With Lady Gaga out of the way, it's not easy to decide the best and worst looks of the night. Lea Michele of "Glee" killed it in her one-shouldered black dress with feathery miniskirt. Adam Lambert also looked effortlessly chic in his sparkly blazer. And Taylor Swift did not disappoint in her sparkly deep-teal gown with off-the-shoulder detailing.
Best New Artist nominee Keri Hilson dazzled in her nude-colored, fishtail-hemlined, va-va-voom Dolce and Gabbana dress. Speaking of va-va-voom, Beyoncé's very tight, zipper-front nude-colored gown kept it interesting thanks to geometric patterning throughout the entire dress.
Both Pink and Katy Perry sparkled. Pink stood out in a feminine silver gown, while Perry's Zac Posen gold gown was funky thanks to a skintight fit and gold flower decals. Fergie looked great in her royal blue minidress, and she managed to be a bit space-aged thanks to a fun silver trail of fabric running through the dress.
Then there were looks that straddled the line between good and bad. Miley Cyrus' little peacock-blue dress seemed to do just that. The little dress fit her well but looked too old for the 17-year-old.
Carrie Underwood's silvery white gown didn't do her justice thanks to some strange strappy detailing on her shoulders, and the dress' loose bodice didn't fit her body right. Ciara's bizarre lace Givenchy jumpsuit was overwhelming for the singer. And Colbie Caillat's gold strapless dress didn't feel right for the typically beachy singer.
Stick with MTV News for our coverage of the 2010 Grammy Awards! We'll have reports on your favorite nominees, party photos, behind-the-scenes video and much more from the big show!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsBeyonce Covers Alanis Morissette At Grammys
January 31, 2010 by MTV News
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B melds 'If I Were a Boy' with Morissette's 'You Oughta Know.'
By Jayson Rodriguez
Beyoncé performs at the 2010 Grammy Awards
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ Getty Images
Beyoncé proved it was ladies night at the 2010 Grammy Awards by putting a twist on her performance of "If I Were a Boy" via the Alanis Morissette anthem "You Oughta Know."
Decked out in a futuristic, spiked black outfit and matching shoes, B — already a multiple Grammy winner by the time she took the stage — delved into Morissette's power jam midway through her set, as she has during recent live performances.
She pranced, spun and did the Dutty Wine while the crowd cheered in approval.
"And I'm here to remind you/ Of the mess you left when you went away/ It's not fair to deny me/ Of the cross I bear that you gave to me/ You, you, you oughta know," she sang as military-esque dancers flanked her.
The former Destiny's Child frontwoman, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift are among the nights' big nominees, and each has already won some hardware.
B's early Grammy wins were handed out pre-broadcast, so the "Halo" superstar seemed to take her time onstage to thank everyone with a raucous set. She smiled and flipped her hair with the kind of bravado expected from Jay-Z, her husband, who was seated in the front row during the performance.
After Gaga's performance, which included a cameo from Elton John, the bar was set high for the rest of the evening.
"If I were a boy/ I would turn off my phone/ Tell everyone it's broken/ So they'd think that I was sleeping alone," B sang and surprised everyone with her dancehall-inspired moves.
Stick with MTV News for our coverage of the 2010 Grammy Awards! We'll have reports on your favorite nominees, party photos, behind-the-scenes video and much more from the big show!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsPink Soars During ‘Glitter In The Air’ Grammy Performance
January 31, 2010 by MTV News
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Pop star drops a silky white robe to reveal a sheer bodysuit before getting acrobatic.
By Eric Ditzian
Pink performs at the 2010 Grammy Awards
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ WireImage
At the MTV Video Music Awards last fall, Pink stuck a sparkly heart to her bosom and soared through the air like an acrobat as she busted out a rendition of "Sober." At the Grammys on Sunday night (January 31), the pop star stayed closer to the ground — at least in the beginning — but delivered no less of a memorable performance.
Sauntering slowly onstage through a haze of electric-blue screens, Pink wore a silky white robe that covered her head to toe, save for a plunging neckline that revealed a lot of skin. Singing "Glitter in the Air" from her Funhouse album, she made her way down the stage stairs and into the aisle.
Once there, Pink dropped the robe to reveal a sort-of sheer bodysuit that was essentially just a series of white straps covering strategic areas while leaving almost nothing to the imagination. As she had at the VMAs, Pink brought her circus act to the Grammys. With dancers twisting above her, Pink climbed into a white sheet and was lifted into the air. High above the stage, she spun in circles and continued to sing.
As the song built up, water began to pour from above, soaking Pink as she kept twirling and held herself in place with nothing but a well-flexed leg. The song wrapped up with Pink spinning upside down and spraying water in all directions.
The audience at the Staples Center greeted her with a standing ovation. Pink then hustled offstage, perhaps to dry off. The singer still had a long night ahead of her. She's still in consideration for one of her two Grammys nominations — Best Female Pop Vocal Performance — against Beyoncé and Katy Perry.
Stick with MTV News for our coverage of the 2010 Grammy Awards! We'll have reports on your favorite nominees, party photos, behind-the-scenes video and much more from the big show!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsLady Gaga’s Grammy Outfit Lights Up Red Carpet
January 31, 2010 by MTV News
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Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Katy Perry and more wow the crowd with their fashion choices at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards.
By Jocelyn Vena
Lady Gaga on the Grammy red carpet on Sunday
Photo: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images
Individuality ruled the Grammy Awards red carpet. Lady Gaga — never one to disappoint on the fashion tip — showed up in a dress that looked like its own planet, with everyone from Taylor Swift to Pink to Rihanna also donning fashion that best expressed who they are as artists.
Gaga's silver planetary-orbit-style dress (accessorized with pointy chandelier and yellow hair) was rumored to be an Armani creation.
Rihanna hit the carpet in a white Victorian-style high-collar gown with fabric detailing at the neck. Taylor Swift also dazzled in her dark steel-blue sparkly gown that fit her in all the right places. Wearing a similar palette was fellow teen queen Miley Cyrus, who showed up in a peacock-green minidress.
"Glee" star Lea Michele continued her reign as Hollywood's fresh new fashionista in her one-shoulder black dress complete with tiered, feathery skirt. Paramore's Hayley Williams went glam in her sparkly Audrey Hepburn-esque little black dress.
Katy Perry arrived in a gold Zac Posen gown that, at a distance, almost made her look as if she was just wearing strategically placed flower decals. Fellow pop star Pink also went metallic for the carpet in a strapless silver gown with a black fade on the hemline.
Keri Hilson also sparkled in a nude-color Dolce and Gabbana gown with silver detailing around the waist and fishtail hemline. Ke$ha also shone in a sparkly gold flapper-style dress and Beyoncé showed off her curves in a nude-color gown with geometric detailing.
The guys didn't disappoint as the Jonas Brothers each looked red-carpet ready in their suits, with Joe embracing geek chic in his chunky glasses. Adam Lambert looked hot with his sparkly blazer and eyeliner combo, while the Kings of Leon stepped up their usual rock look with suits.
Stick with MTV News for our coverage of the 2010 Grammy Awards! We'll have reports on your favorite nominees, party photos, behind-the-scenes video and much more from the big show!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsLady Gaga Teams With Elton John To Open The Grammys
January 31, 2010 by MTV News
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After performing 'Poker Face,' Gaga was joined by John for 'Speechless' and 'Your Song.'
By James Montgomery
Lady Gaga performs at the 2010 Grammy Awards
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ Getty Images
Ever since show producer Ken Erlich said last week that Lady Gaga would be performing a duet at Sunday night's (January 31) 52nd annual Grammy Awards, speculation has been building about who she'd be performing that duet with.
Well, the Elton John rumors turned out to be true. Elton joined Lady Gaga onstage, as the duo kicked off the Grammy telecast with a torchy duet, complete with ashes, severed limbs and some seriously flashy jewelry.
But that's getting ahead of things, because it was actually Gaga who opened things up, and she did it in her own over-the-top manner. As the curtain went up, viewers saw a full-blown stage set — "The Fame Factory" — an army of dancers and a master of ceremonies, who emerged from the crowd to tout Gaga as some kind of living doll, shouting, "The real Gaga comes complete with five #1 singles ... and she has no soul!"
Then Gaga appeared, decked out in sparkly shoulder pads, and belted out a cabaret version of one of those #1 singles, "Poker Face." She then leapt down from her perch (which looked an awful lot like a toxic-waste container) and launched headlong into a full version of the song, flashing her "monster" claw and trading moves with her backup dancers.
One of those dancers then dragged Gaga off the stage, and she was dumped into a "rejected" bin, which belched flames and deposited her out of view.
Seconds later — now covered in ashes — she appeared again, this time sharing a piano with John , who was also covered in ashes (not to mention a pair of Gaga's sparkly sunglasses and a glittering, galactic earring). The two then began singing Gaga's "Speechless," trading verses and glances from across the piano, which was topped with severed mannequin arms, also flashing her "monster" hand sign.
John managed to work in a few verses of "Your Song," his massive 1970 hit with songwriter Bernie Taupin. The two then segued back into "Speechless" and wrapped it up smiling, the house giving them a standing ovation.
Stick with MTV News for our coverage of the 2010 Grammy Awards! We'll have reports on your favorite nominees, party photos, behind-the-scenes video and much more from the big show!
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