eliteBUZZ – Los Angeles: The curtains have closed on the 2012 Grammy Awards Show and out of basic diplomacy, we shall report the happenings, as only a few performances stood out.

LL Cool J had the awesome opportunity to host the 54th Grammy Awards and he should be commended. His opening statement cemented the fact that the music industry, and by extension the world, has lost a music icon, Whitney Houston. As the show began, LL echoed “There is no way around this, we have lost a family member”, the world waited as we expected one of the best shows ever, but it hardly delivered.

LL Cool J arriving at the Grammy Awards

The show started with a reflection of a great Grammy moment, Whitney Houston performing “i will always love you” at the Grammy’s in the early 1990s.

It appeared like the Brits were audience and fan favourites as persons like Adele & Paul McCarthy got a special welcome with expected performances from Cold Play.

Bruno Mars did a wonderful set which reminded us of Elvis Presley at the top of his game, followed by a somber performance by Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raite, who both did a tribute to Etta James.

The first award of the night went to Adele for Best Pop Solo, “Someone like you”.

His performance at the AMAs 2011 was far better, but no one can dispute the talent of Chris Brown, his medley featuring “turn up the music” and “beautiful people” got a standing ovation. Already a mega star in his own right, if given equal opportunity, Chris Brown is unstoppable.

The award for Best Rap Performance went to Jay Z & Kanye who were both not available to accept the award.

Jason Aldean’s & Kelly Clarkson’s “Don’t you wanna stay a little while” performance was mediocre, so too were the Foo Fighters.

Donning “gangster/asylum-wear”, Rihanna attempted to get the party started with “We found love”, picking up where Chris Brown left off, she tried, she really did, but the performance simply did not pop as much as was expected. The inclusion of Chris Martin/Cold Play wasn’t a bad idea, “Paradise” added flavor to that set and the truth is there is a new found love for anything or anyone British.

The Best Pop Rock Grammy went to the Foo Fighters, right before Maroon 5 played tribute to the Beach Boys, then being joined onstage by the legendary group for a performance.

Sir Paul McCartney reminded us that Tuesday will be Valentine’s Day but his rendition of “My Valentine” was just “lovely”.

The Best R&B Album went to Chris Brown, while the Song of the year was snatched by the beautiful Adele for “Rolling in the Deep”.

Taylor Swift did a simple yet effective set, if you doubted before, I’m sure you proved she’s as country as they come and we all loved it. Katy Perry once again showed us she’s not a mere studio production, as she held her own.

The Best Country Album went to Lady Antebellum.

With a breath taking introduction, dramatically the lights were off and the room went silent. The British Superstar was about to unleash her vocal prowess. Talent is simply talent, Adele had absolutely no gimmicks. It was excellence over quantity and/or amplified drama – she “rolled in the deep” with her soulful voice. She jazzed it up, she gave classic a new meaning – even her dressed code displayed pure class. After her performance, she simply stood modestly to rousing applause and a standing ovation. Did you see Rihanna’s gesture out of sheer excitement and approval of Adele’s performance? We have one word for you – Gangster! Rihanna was born to be wild and her fans love it.

The Band Perry and Blake Shelton were like preliminary music to The great Glen Campbell, from the lips of the country legend came “Like a rhinestone cowboy” which had everyone dancing. He was one of this year’s Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awardees, and it’s certainly a fact that the older the moon, the brighter the shine, as he ended his set with one of three standing ovations from the audience.

Tony Bennett’s and Carrie Underwood’s duet “it had to be you” displayed the musical merger of generations and one Carrie will definitely remember as a highlight of her career.

When the Best New Artist Award was announced, a few eye brows were raised and the facial expressions of a few individuals backstage indicated that there will be much chatter, as Bon Iver beat out the likes of Nicki Minaj to take home the coveted award.

Each year the Grammy recognizes musical icons who died throughout the year, however, noticeably absent from the photo gallery were Etta James and Barry of The HEPTONES. It was a very disheartening moment to see Whitney Houston’s picture as part of the “In Memoriam” feature. As her picture froze on the big screen, we witnessed the silhouette of Jennifer Hudson, going deep within to bell the lyrics of “I will always love you” in tribute to the Queen of Pop. It was a very good attempt by Jennifer Hudson, taking into consideration she had less than 24 hours to rehearse a song that has become Whitney Houston’s signature, a signature that is very hard to forge. The world has really lost “The Voice”.

As the live performances continued, Nicki Minaj seemed ready to rock the crowd; and so she did. Nicki Minaj is possessed! Run for cover! – #THATisALL

After Nicki’s performance, The Record of the year award was announced, which went to Adele and Miss Diana Ross was on hand to announce Paul Epworth as Producer of the year.

In royal style, the final award for the evening, Album of the year, went to Adele, for her album 21. The Brit came and she made her mark.

The 54th Grammy Awards didn’t meet all expectations, but there were some great moments; besides, it was hard to truly celebrate, less than 24hrs, still trying to absorb Whitney Houston’s passing.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees. See you next year.