Performances Rule the Night at 2011 Grammy Awards

By Sugey Palomares

The 53^rd annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday featured plenty of OMG moments (and even a few yawns) from our favorite pop stars, rockers, and hip-hop royalty.

Christina Aguilera, Martina McBride, Florence Welch, Yolanda Adams and Jennifer Hudson jumpstarted the celebration with a spectacular tribute to the queen of soul, Aretha Franklin. Newly divorced diva X-Tina dominated the montage, which included such classic divorcée anthems as "Respect" and "Freedom," before slipping and falling on stage (after screwing up the words to the National Anthem at the Super Bowl last Sunday, this hasn't been her best week.)

But while Christina paid homage to old school soul, Lady Gaga, who won the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album, channeled her pop predecessor. In a golden latex outfit and high ponytail reminiscent of Madonna's "Express Yourself" attire, Gaga hatched from an egg onstage to perform her latest single "Born This Way."

With performances like these, we almost didn't notice that only one Grammy had been given out in the first 45 minutes.

But we really didn't care when Bruno Mars, B.O.B. and Janelle Monae hit the stage. The breakout stars earned fourteen nominations combined and embodied the modern day rat pack with a soulful rendition of "Grenade." Janelle rocked the stage with her fresh style and energetic performance of "Cold War."

Justin Bieber and Usher kept the energy going with a collaborative performance of The Biebs' new track "Never Say Never" accompanied by blazing fireworks, acrobatics a cameo from Karate Kid star Jayden Smith. Bieber's novia Selena Gomez even presented the award for the Best Pop Vocal Album, for which Justin was nominated. New Kids on the Block member Donny Wahlberg playfully hinted about the young couple's secret romance, but Selena managed to play it off pretty well.

Between Cee Lo Green's peacock outfit (inspired by Lady Gaga perhaps?) and a band of crazy dancing muppets, we weren't really sure where to direct our attention during Green and Gwyneth Paltrow's unexpected performance of "Forget You." And Katy Perry surprised us with a relatively tame Valentine-themed performance of "Teenage Dream."

Hip-hop heavy hitter Eminem and Dr. Dre hyped the doc's new album "Detox" with a chronic performance featuring Rihanna and Skylar Grey. Rihanna shined a second time around with a tropical hip-swaying rendition of "What's My Name," by far the evening's liveliest performance.

In case you missed it, here's a quick recap of the 2011 Grammy Award winners:

Record of the Year: Need You Now, Lady Antebellum

Album of the Year: The Suburbs, Arcade Fire

Song of the Year: "Need You Now," Lady Antebellum

Best New Artist: Esperanza Spalding

Best Pop Vocal Album: The Fame Monster, Lady Gaga

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: Lady Gaga, "Bad Romance"

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance: Bruno Mars, "Just the Way You Are"

Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals: Train, "Hey, Soul Sister (Live)"

Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals: "Imagine," Herbie Hancock, Pink, India.Arie, Seal, Konono No. 1, Jeff Beck and Oumou Sangare

Best Dance Recording: "Only Girl (In The World)," Rihanna

Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals: "Tighten Up," The Black Keys

Best Hard Rock Performance: "New Fang," Them Crooked Vultures

Best Rock Song: "Angry World," Neil Young

Best Rock Album: "The Resistance," Muse

Best Alternative Music Album: Brothers, The Black Keys

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "Wake Up! Everybody" John Legend, The Roots, Melanie Fiona and Common

Best Rap Song: "Empire State of Mind," Jay-Z & Alicia Keys

Best Rap Album: Recovery, Eminem

Best Country Collaboration with Vocals: "As She's Walking Away," Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson

Best Country Song: "Need You Now," Lady Antebellum

Best Country Album: Need You Now, Lady Antebellum

What was your favorite Grammy moment? Tell us in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 53rd annual Grammy Awards, B.o.B., Bruno Mars, Cee Lo Green, Christina Aguilera, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Grammy Awards, Gwyneth Paltrow, Janelle Monae, Jennifer Hudson, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Usher