It was a night of mixed emotions at the 54th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles last night as the music industry mourned the loss of Whitney Houston.
Adele was, as expected, the big winner of the night. The singer took home six awards, including record and song of the year for Rolling in the Deep and album of the year for 21. The Londoner topped the night off with her first performance since she had throat surgery last year. As the world wondered whether her voice would still soar, she answered with a powerful rendition of her hit Rolling in the Deep and received a rousing standing ovation from the crowd.
Back on top! Adele cradles her six awards
However, there was only one name on everyone's mind - Whitney Houston, whose sudden death on Saturday is still sending shock waves throughout the music world. The iconic diva was honoured, and remembered throughout the l show. LL Cool J, who was host for the night, started the evening with a prayer "for a woman who we loved, for our fallen sister."
Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, one of a legion of singers influenced by Houston, paid tribute with a moving, masterful rendition of I Will Always Love You.
Jennifer Hudson performed a very emotional version I Will Always Love You as a tribute to Whitney Houston
Stars mentioned the singing legend at every opportunity. Kelly Rowland said she "wouldn't be here" if it wasn't for Houston, and Rihanna urged the crowd to "make some noise for Whitney" during a performance of We Found Love.
Another notable winner on the night was Chris Brown, who was performing on the stage for the first time since he dropped out of 2009's broadcast and won the award for best R&B album.
The singer said: "I thank the Grammys for letting me get on this stage and do my thing."
Other notable performances included that of Sir Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry.
Full list of winners:
Record of the Year – Rolling In The Deep, Adele
Album of the Year – 21, Adele
Song of the Year – Rolling In The Deep, Adele
Best New Artist – Bon Iver
Best Pop Solo Performance –Someone Like You, Adele
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance – Body And Soul , Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse
Best Pop Vocal Album – 21, Adele
Best Dance Recording - Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, Skrillex
Best Dance/ Electronica Album - Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, Skrillex
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album – Duets II, Tony Bennett & Various Artists
Best Rock Performance – Walk, Foo Fighters
Best Rock Song – Walk, Foo Fighters
Best Rock Album - Waiting Light, Foo Fighters
Best R&B Performance – Is This Love, Corinne Bailey Rae
Best R&B Song – Fool For You
Best R&B Album – F.A.M.E., Chris Brown
Best Rap Performance – Otis, Jay-Z and Kanye West
Best Country Solo Performance – Mean, Taylor Swift
Best Country Song – Mean, Taylor Swift
Best Short Form Music Video – Adele
