"If you think this will go to our heads," said Bono, "it's too late." The 48th annual Grammys ended up handing most of the gold to Irish rock band U2, including the award for song of the year Grammy for their ballad "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own."
After last night's haul, U2 has now won 21 Grammys - one more than Alison Krauss who nonetheless added three more to her collection last night. U2 also took Album of the Year for "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" as well as Best Rock Song, Rock Performance by a Group and Best Rock Album.
Mariah, who had eight nominations, won three smaller awards but was shut out in the big stuff. Other notes: Madonna had a great set with Gorillaz to open the show; Ellen DeGeneres played the kazoo and begged for money backstage; Sir Paul McCartney, who's never won a Grammy (proving what a sham they are!), played "Helter Skelter" which turned out to be the first time he's ever played at the Grammys; so is Kelly Clarkson for real? The American Idol just beat out Bonnie Raitt!; three costume changes for Kanye. What for? ; and loved seeing Carlos Santana - ditto Herbie Hancock and Christina Aguilera and Stevie Wonder.
Wierdest moment of the night was when Psychedelic-funk pioneer Sly Stone, who's been a hermit for 13 years, made a surprise appearance by coming out on stage to join a multiartist tribute to him and his band. Now sporting a white Mohawk, Sly - who never won a grammy either - strolled out, played keyboards for two minutes, never looked up, never waved or got out of his coma, and probably went back to his needle. Sad.
Overall, a pretty good night of music now that we are long past the era of mindless pop and boy bands. Though they could do a better job recognizing legends in their own time (Sir Paul), at least they know U2 is in the pantheon of great artists.
