BAFTAs, Grammys, Maria Callas

February 12, 2007

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It was good to see icons Tony Bennett, Smokey Robinson, Don Henley, Natalie Cole, Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder. In particular, Smokey sounded better than ever as he sang Track of my Tears. I do think he may have visited Kenny Rogers' plastic surgeon though. It was jolting to go from Lionel Richie's Hello rendition to Chris Brown's lip-synching and dancing to 2006 hit Run. Wondering if CBS will get their umpteenth FCC fine for his crotch-grabbing.

90s stars Christina Aguilera (It's a Man's World in front of James Brown clips), Ludacris and Red Hot Chili Peppers all delivered solid moments.

Like Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake performed two songs--one with him on piano, and the other his current hit My Love. In that one he even pulled off the heavily promoted, near awkward viewers-vote-for-unknown-singer (aka "The Grammy Moment") to join him for a duet. However, Justin was robbed as he was overlooked for all nominations.

Politically charged Dixie Chicks gave memorable speeches as they won nearly all the big awards. Natalie Maines even used a catchphrase from "The Simpsons." Gnarls Barkley sounded better than ever as they were accompanied by an orchestra. Gnarls Barkley were among newbie stars getting their turn like James Blunt, John Legend, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Carrie Underwood.

Interesting to see nearly all movie stars as the only alternate for music presenters. Christina Ricci looked angry as she presented with Samuel L. Jackson. Interesting to see Terrence Howard introduce a tribute to opera singer Maria Callas. Wait did the final award intro say presenter Scarlett Johansson is recording her own album--didn't she learn anything from Lindsay Lohan or Paris Hilton's singing stints?

What an electric moment to see the unnamed dancer recreate a famous James Brown dance before the "Godfather of Soul" robe was retired symbolically.

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