Music mogul Clive Davis hosted his annual Pre-Grammy Gala event at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA last night bringing out a who’s who of music big wigs (as well as a very awkward pair of newlyweds who seem to have difficulty with the kissing) to celebrate Grammy weekend as only he knows how to do. Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Hudson were among the performers at last night’s affair (you may recall that Whitney Houston was among the performers at last year’s event, kicking off her stunning musical comeback which took place later in the year). Here are some photos from the red carpet arrivals along with some deets about the soiree:

It was an incongruous group. On one level were Hollywood royalty Barbra Streisand and Jane Fonda, Joan and Jackie Collins. In their sights, on the next level down, were Mary J Blige, Taylor Swift, Maxwell, Fergie and the Black Eyed Peas, Keyshia, Mos Def, Nelly, Jonas Brothers, Russell Brand and his fiance Katy Perry, the Kings of Leon, Usher and Jon Bon Jovi and many others. They were seated in what is known as the ‘pit’ inside the Beverly Hilton’s international ballroom. The old guard and the new guard of Hollywood movies and rock ‘n’ roll were gathered for the annual pre-Grammy party hosted by music industry mogul Clive Davis, known as ‘golden ears’ for his ability in finding and developing music artists. Some claim the pre-Grammy bash on Saturday night is bigger, and better, than the official Grammy show on Sunday night. It’s certainly a looser affair. Celebrities knock back wine and champagne and table hop. The evening saw Mary J Blige publicly humiliate her band in front of an audience that included recording industry titans and some of the biggest names in rock. The singer lost her cool as, ironically, she was about to sing a song titled No More Drama … Diva she may be but, to be fair to Mary J. Blige, she did sing beautifully and by the time she completed her performance her behaviour towards the band was forgiven and she earned a standing ovation … The night’s most amusing sight was observing Joan Collins and sister Jackie on their feet and waving their arms as Fergie and the Black Eyed Peas performed on stage. At least they moved in time to the music. Jennifer Hudson,who won a best supporting actress Oscar for her performance in Dreamgirls, performed a string of its associated with Barbra Streisand. Beforehand Hudson joked that she was frightened she would forget the lyrics. ‘They kept changing what songs I’d sing so I had to stay focused’, Hudson told the Daily Mail. Clive Davis hailed Oscar, Grammy and Tony award winner Streisand as a ‘unique, singular artist’ who boasted a number one album in five consecutive decades. ‘She’s the movie soundtrack of our lives’, Davis said of Streisand. Other big names at the pre-Grammy gig included Oscar winning actor Jamie Foxx and Harry Connick Jr. Rhianna sat at a prime table in the ‘pit’. This time last year she was seated at a similar table with Chris Brown … His name was missing from every Grammy party this weekend. However, Rhianna’s career has never been hotter and on Saturday everyone in the international ballroom queued to hug her.

Yes, as you may recall it was after Clive Davis‘s Pre-Grammy Gala last year that Brown brutally and criminally assaulted Rihanna. I’m so happy to see that Rihanna had no qualms about attending this event a year later, especially considering the horrible memories it is bound to dredge up. Grammy weekend does not get started until Clive throws his party so … it is now officially upon us. The Grammy Awards air LIVE on the East Coast starting at 8pm ET. Make sure you pick up your 3D glasses at Target so you can watch the tribute to Michael Jackson in 3D:

[Photo credit: Wireimage; Source]

Celebrities of varying stature made their way out to the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in downtown LA last night to attend the People’s Choice Awards which were handed out in a lavish, televised ceremony. As you may know, the PCAs are voted on by the public so the winners are chosen by the fans … which makes this awards show unique among the many others. Here are a few photos from the red carpet arrivals (where newly engaged country singer Carrie Underwood was happy to show off her new bling — again) along with some deets about who won awards last night … I understand it was a good night for vampires:

The people have chosen vampires. “The Twilight Saga,” “True Blood” and “The Vampire Diaries” all sucked up trophies Wednesday at the 36th annual People’s Choice Awards. “Twilight” won four trophies, including favorite movie, franchise and on-screen team for the dreamy trio of Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner, who also picked up the breakout male actor award. The undead HBO fable “True Blood” and the soapy supernatural CW series “The Vampire Diaries” were respectively selected as favorite TV obsession and favorite new TV drama. Other winners in categories spanning movies, TV and music included “Inglourious Basterds” as favorite independent movie and Lady Gaga as favorite pop and breakout music artist. Queen Latifah, who returned as host of the fan-favorite ceremony for the fourth consecutive year, kicked off the show at the Nokia Theatre with a jazzy name-dropping number. Stars such as Hugh Jackman, Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Ashton Kutcher, Taylor Swift and Ellen DeGeneres were on hand to accept their awards selected by Internet votes. “One for each of Sandra Bullock’s toes,” joked 11-time People’s Choice Awards champion DeGeneres. Other TV winners included “American Idol” as favorite competition show, “Glee” as favorite new TV comedy, Steve Carell as favorite TV comedy actor, Alyson Hannigan as favorite TV comedy actress, “The Big Bang Theory” as favorite TV comedy, “House” as favorite TV drama, Hugh Laurie as favorite TV drama actor and “Supernatural” as favorite fantasy TV show. Winners in the movie categories included Bullock as favorite movie actress, Jackman as favorite action star, “The Proposal” as favorite comedy movie and “Up” for favorite family movie. Sacha Baron Cohen, appearing as himself and not as his alter-egos Borat or Bruno, presented Johnny Depp with a special award as favorite movie actor of the decade. “The only reason that any of us are up here is because of you,” Depp told the audience. Throughout the show, Latifah appeared in spoofs of “Twilight” and “Paranormal Activity,” which featured a cameo by Cloris Leachman clad in a sexy leather ensemble. The show also featured performances by Mary J. Blige, Cobra Starship and Nicole Scherzinger, as well as debut footage from “Clash of the Titans,” “Robin Hood” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.”

It sounds like it was a fun show, unfortch I wasn’t home to watch. But you had to know that if the public was gonna be voting on the awards then the hot vampire trend going on in Hollywood these days was gonna be well-rewarded. I was very pleased with many of last night’s winners. After the jump, check out some photos from the press room of some of my fave folks who took home the pretty glass trophies …

Yesterday we learned the fab news that singer Carrie Underwood and hockey player Mike Fisher got themselves engaged to be married but at the time there was no official confirmation of the engagement from either Carrie or Mike … until now. Carrie‘s people have released the following official statement on the upcoming nuptials:

Mike, himself, confirmed the news last night saying:

“It’s true. We’re both obviously excited and very happy.”

And, as if that wasn’t enough confirmation, Carrie showed off her fat engagement rock at the Ottawa Senators hockey game vs. the Boston Bruins in Ottawa, Canada last night:

Carrie Underwood is engaged to Ottawa Senators hockey player Mike Fisher, her publicist said Monday. Underwood wore an eye-catching engagement ring as she sat in Ottawa owner Eugene Melnyk’s luxury box while watching Fisher and the Senators play Monday night. The 29-year-old Fisher told reporters “it’s an exciting time” before the game with the Boston Bruins and the engagement got plenty of attention. “It’s obviously an exciting time for them and we’re all very happy for both of them,” veteran Senators defenseman Chris Phillips said. “It’s probably going to be a little more hyped than what there was but they’ve been dating for a while now so it’s nothing that’s been a big secret.” No wedding date has been set for the couple, who have been dating for about a year … Asked by The Associated Press last month what Underwood’s family thought of Fisher, the 26-year-old singer said they were supportive. “They love me and I would hope my parents would think we raised a good, smart girl, so she’s going to do the right thing no matter what it is,” she said. Days before the CMA Awards in early November, Underwood did not know whether she would be spending the holidays with Fisher. “Christmas, I don’t know. We haven’t really thought that far ahead. We kind of take it one week at a time,” she said then. Underwood has kept her relationship largely under wraps, but she gave Fisher a very public shout-out in the liner notes of her current album, “Play On,” that was released Nov. 3. She wrote, “Thank you (No.) 12 (referring to his jersey number.) You are the most amazing addition to my life! You are such a wonderful person and have had such an amazing hand in the building of this album and in the growth of me as a person. I love you so much! You make my life better in every way!”

Yeah, I think it’s safe to assume that Carrie and Mike will be spending the holidays together after all. I’m so happy for them … I don’t know much about Mike but Carrie is a total sweetheart and I just love her to death. Considering how quickly the couple got engaged (just about a year after they started dating) I would imagine they will be gettin’ hitched fairly soon. My guess is that they’ll be celebrating this Xmas as betrotheds, next year they’ll be celebrating as husband and wife.

[Source, Source]

It appears that congratulations are in order for singer/American Idol winner Carrie Underwood and NHL player Mike Fisher who apparently got engaged over the weekend!

Mike Fisher and Carrie Underwood are engaged to be married, a source has confirmed this morning. The blogosphere has been alive and buzzing since Sunday with rumours the celebrity couple have become engaged. The rumours began spreading after a friend of Underwood’s family congratulated the former American Idol and the Senators centre on their upcoming marriage on his Twitter page last night. This morning, a source close to the couple confirmed to the Ottawa Sun that Fisher popped the question and Underwood has accepted the proposal. Underwood, who makes her home in Nashville, was in Ottawa through the weekend and was on hand for the club’s 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild Saturday at Scotiabank Place. It’s not known if she will also be at tonight’s game against the Boston Bruins. Neither Underwood nor Fisher has made any public confirmation as yet. The couple has been dating for approximately a year. They have kept their relationship largely out of the media — quite an accomplishment for one of Nashville’s hottest stars and one of the NHL’s most eligible bachelors — but had recently begun speaking in public about their love affair.

News of the upcoming nuptials were first announced on Twitter by Fisher‘s best friend Colin Peters:

But it now looks like Peters jumped the gun on spreading the news because not only has this congratulatory tweet been deleted but Colin Peter‘s Twitter profile has been deleted as well! Whoops! The couple have been very private about their relationship so it may take some time for them to confirm this engagement. After all, in their entire yearish long relationship, only one photograph of the couple has made its way to the Internets. After the jump, check it out …

Earlier today we learned all about Adam Lambert‘s shocking performance at the 2009 American Music Awards last night, as well as Jennifer Lopez‘s embarrassing fall at the AMAs … but there were other things going on at the Nokia Theater where the AMAs took place that are kinda worth mentioning. Celebs strutted their stuff on the red carpet on the way into the show, other folks performed songs without incident and a few awards were even handed out … who knew? Here are a few photos from the red carpet arrivals:

Yes, peeps were lookin’ purdy and stuff on the red carpet but let’s get to the awards. Taylor Swift, who has been cleaning up at awards shows all year long already, was the biggest winner of the night … she took home 5 awards including Artist of the Year! Michael Jackson also enjoyed a big night last night taking home a few posthumous awards of his own as did Whitney Houston, who became the 7th person ever to win the International Artist of the Year award from the AMAs:

Country crossover star Taylor Swift overshadowed the late Michael Jackson at the American Music Awards on Sunday, winning five prizes including artist of the year. Jackson, who had been expected to enjoy a clean sweep, ended up with four awards. He and Swift went head-to-head in the artist of the year race, the ceremony’s final prize. Other multiple winners included hip-hop acts Jay-Z and the Black Eyed Peas, with two each. Swift, 19, was also named favorite female artist in the pop/rock and country categories, and favorite adult-contemporary artist. Her 2008 album “Fearless,” the best-selling release in the United States this year, was named favorite country album. She accepted her awards live via satellite from backstage at London’s Wembley Arena, where she will perform a concert on Monday. “Music has never been ultimately about competition,” Swift said, after winning the artist of the year prize. She said it was an “unimaginable honor” to be cited in the same category as Jackson, and thanked the Jackson family. Jackson was named favorite male artist in the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories, while his 2003 hits collection “Number Ones” was named favorite album in both those categories. The album is the No. 2 seller this year in the United States. His brother Jermaine, accompanied by sons Jeremy, Jaafar and Jermajesty, accepted on his behalf. At one point, he thanked Allah “for blessing my entire family.” Rapper Eminem, making a rare awards-show appearance in the wake of his four nominations, went home empty-handed. Glam-pop singer Lady Gaga, rock band Kings of Leon and jailed rapper T.I., who earned three nominations each, were also snubbed. The Black Eyed Peas were named favorite group in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories. Jay-Z won favorite male artist and favorite album in the rap/hip-hop categories. His wife Beyonce, who was performing a show in Dublin, was named favorite female artist in the soul/R&B category. Punk rock trio Green Day won the favorite alternative artist. Rascal Flatts won favorite country group for the fourth year in a row.

Crazy, right? Well, since the AMAs are handed out according to fan voting I guess it’s all Y’ALL’s fault that Taylor won so many awards. The girl must really be enjoying life right now … whether it’s deserved or not (many, many folks argue that it is not) she is really taking home some major awards this year. I say, congrats … I hope she really appreciates it all. After the jump, check out a few photos from the AMAs show itself and see what else went down on the Nokia Theater stage last night …

Celebs of varying degree of fame made their way out to the Kodak Theater last night for the taping of the 2009 CNN Heroes television special that will air on CNN on Thanksgiving and will honor “ordinary people” selected for their “extraordinary impact” this past year. Here are a few photos from the red carpet arrivals of some of the celebs who attended last night and some deets from the taping:

Kate Hudson, Pierce Brosnan, Neil Patrick Harris and other stars who are used to getting applause were giving it gladly at a ceremony honoring people who make a difference in the lives of others. “I’ve cried twice and we’re on hero three,” Harris said backstage after introducing one of the 10 “CNN Heroes” celebrated Saturday by the TV news network for their efforts to fight poverty, disease and other problems. “There are so many awards shows every year for the Hollywood community that participating in something as effective as this makes those others feel inconsequential” and provides perspective, said Harris, star of CBS’ “How I Met Your Mother” and recent Emmy Awards host. The top CNN Hero of the Year and a grant of $100,000 went to a young man who embraced education for himself and other Filipinos as an escape from poverty. He and the other honorees received $25,000 each. As a child, Efren Penaflorida picked school over gang life in Cavite City and vowed to create a way for other children to make the same choice. He created a program that brings books to children in slums and on the streets, and the 10,000 members of his Dynamic Teen Co. have brought reading, writing and hygiene to 1,500 youngsters. “My message to children of all races, please, to embrace learning and love it for it will embrace and love you back and enable you to change your world,” said Penaflorida, now a 21-year-old college graduate. “Each person has a hidden hero within, just have to look inside you and search it in your heart and be the hero the next one in need,” he said in accepting the top honor. Brosnan, honoring a woman who started an anti-breast cancer project, created one of the evening’s most emotional moments as he recalled his late wife’s failed battle against the disease. She was a “magnificent mother, a wonderful actor,” he said of Cassandra Harris, who died of ovarian cancer in 1991. “There are too many of us who have lost someone to this brutal disease called cancer, and we are all sick and tired of cancer winning,” he said in introducing breast cancer survivor Andrea Ivory, who runs a mobile mammography project in Miami that provides free screenings. The pair posed backstage for photos, Ivory glamorous in a gown with an oversized pink bow — symbolic of the ribbons that mark the breast cancer battle. “Stunning,” Brosnan said, smiling broadly as cameras focused on her. “You make me nervous,” Ivory replied, but Brosnan would have none of it. “You’re the star,” he said. CNN anchor Anderson Cooper hosted the Kodak Theatre ceremony that was attended by about 4,000 people and will air on CNN at 9 p.m. EST Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, and on CNN International and CNN en Espanol. Leona Lewis, Carrie Underwood and Maxwell performed, and other presenters included Nicole Kidman and George Lopez.

This is such a great event, I’m so glad that so many celebs are interested in participating in honoring everyday folk who give so generously of their time, energy and money to help others in need. I also love how classy this event is … black tie looks good on so many people. Love and congrats goes out to CNN‘s honorees this year … make sure you tune in on Thanksgiving night to see who was honored this year.

[Photo credit: Wireimage; Source]

Altho I’m not a Country Music fan by any means, the 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV last night attracted their fair share of non-Country Music folks to get my attention … and also clued me into the fact that the amazing Carrie Underwood (my Oklahoma homegirl) had herself a pretty spectacular night at this year’s ACMs (as did Taylor Swift, whose talent also impresses me). Here are a few photos from the red carpet arrivals last night (you will note that LeAnn Rimes showed up all by herself as her hubby was nowhere to be seen … Miley Cyrus was also flying solo, leaving manfriend Justin Gaston at home) along with a couple photos of Carrie and Taylor proudly hoisting up their two ACM awards in the press room last night:

The 44th Academy of Country Music Awards swung political, personal, playful and patriotic on Sunday and ultimately opted for popular in bestowing its top honor on “American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood, naming her entertainer of the year over veteran male performers George Strait, Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban. “I’ve had a lot of good moments in the past four years,” the Oklahoma-born Underwood said at the climax of the three-hour event at the MGM Grand Arena, “but this one takes the cake.” The award was determined for the second year by popular vote during the show at CBS.com instead of being determined as it had been in past years by the performer who sold the most concert tickets during the previous 12 months, which would have given a fifth title to Chesney. But the ACM, in striving to boost ratings and make the event more interactive for fans, opened the voting for entertainer and new artist to the public. That helped TV-friendly faces such as Underwood and former “Dancing With the Stars”-turned-country singer Julianne Hough, who took home the new artist trophy. It was a big night as well for Internet-savvy teen phenom Taylor Swift, who sold more albums in 2008 than any other artist in any genre, passing 5 million. Her overwhelming success contributed to her sophomore album, “Fearless,” which has topped 3 million since its release in November, being named album of the year. The giddy singer and songwriter from Pennsylvania clapped her hands over her mouth and danced in her signature cowgirl boots upon learning she’d been chosen by the academy’s 4,000 voting members over Strait, Underwood, duo Montgomery Gentry and newcomer Jamey Johnson … The CBS telecast also looked to give more fans … to latch on to with a performance by Miley Cyrus, timed to plug the new “Hannah Montana” movie, even though the daughter of country singer and actor Billy Ray Cyrus wasn’t nominated for any awards. Tough economic times coupled with strong sentiment over the war in Iraq figured into two of the night’s most powerful musical performances. John Rich, half of the duo Big & Rich, sang a solo version of his new single “Shuttin’ Detroit Down” that elicited cheers several times from the 11,000 fans in the MGM Grand Arena as he railed against federal bailouts to troubled corporations while family farms continue to fail by the thousands. U.S. troops got a salute from Trace Adkins as he was joined by the West Point Glee Club with a new song recognizing what soldiers have sacrificed from the Civil War through the ongoing fighting in Afghanistan. The ACM announced that proceeds from the downloadable version of the performance will go to Wounded Warrior, a Florida-based organization the helps injured troops once they return home. Jamey Johnson’s “In Color,” an homage to those who weathered the Depression, fought in World War II and sustained long-term marriages, was named song of the year. Johnson’s album “That Lonesome Song,” which has drawn comparisons to the work of Waylon Jennings and others of the ’70s country Outlaw movement, had been chosen 2008′s best by a poll of country music critics. Reba McEntire hosted the show for the 11th year.

While I do not consider myself a Country Music fan per se, I still have a small place in my heart for the genre due to my years spent living in Oklahoma. Down there, you can’t escape Country Music so it’s best to just enjoy it for what it is — emotionally driven, heartfelt songs that have a pretty good way of tearing at heartstrings in order to illicit a response. I’m not ashamed to admit that I have my fave songs. I am prolly Carrie Underwood‘s biggest fan who doesn’t own any of her albums. I have a few tracks but I’m most impressed with her singing abilities overall. She is truly the best thing to come from American Idol since Kelly Clarkson. I’m so happy that she continues to enjoy so much success. She’s a woman who works hard for what she has, it’s great to see her being successful. Taylor Swift, as well, strikes me as a very talented girl. The thing that I prolly like most about Country Music is that it is a genre that’s really driven by talent. Many of the biggest Country Music stars can play instruments … which cannot be said for a lot of pop/rock or rap musicians.

While all eyes were on the Country Music stars on the red carpet, there were quite a few celebs who showed up at the awards that have nothing at all really to do with Country Music as a craft. As you can see above, Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves were in attendance and I understand that comedian Carrot Top was there as well. Additionally, new celeb couple Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jamie Kennedy chose the ACM Awards as their official coming out party as a couple:

I find it curious that they were both wearing all white … could they be trying to tell us something? The night wasn’t without it’s own drama as well … Tim McGraw ended up pulling out of performing on the show at the very last minute due to reported “problems” with production. See, even Country Music has their own divas. In any event, much congrats goes out to all the winners at this year’s ACM Awards!

[Photo credit: Bauer-Griffin, Wireimage; Source]

The insane drama over Chris Brown‘s arrest and the allegations that he assaulted his girlfriend Rihanna ALMOST overshadowed the 51st Annual Grammy Awards that took place at the Staples Center last night … but fear not, the awards went off without a hitch and, at least in person, provided a very fun night of entertainment. David and I were able to attend the Grammy Awards last night, courtesy of our friends at ABSOLUT Vodka, and we had a pretty phenomenal time at the Staples Center … even tho we were trying to keep apprised of the Chris Brown info as it came out thruout the show, we were able to enjoy the Grammys nonetheless. Here are a few photos from the Grammy Award red carpet arrivals last night:

Everyone was lookin’ their swanky best … Jennifer Hudson and Carrie Underwood looked lovely (tho, I preferred the dress that J. Hud changed into for her onstage performance) and Jesse McCartney looked crazed as he latched on to Paris Hilton‘s teet for their odd photo op. Dunno what the kid was trying to accomplish but I hope he bathed afterward.

It turned out that Alison Krauss and Robert Plant were the big winners of the evening … along with Adele who took home the award for Best New Artist (edging out Duffy and the Jonas Brothers — thank God!). After the jump, check out some photos from the Grammy Press room of some of the winners with their trophies and find out who won what at last night’s affair …

Clive Davis, famed music mogul, was honored at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards Salute To Icons tribute event which was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel last night and managed to bring out some of the biggest names in music to honor and party with him. Surrounded by his peers and his discoveries, Davis was sittin’ pretty as the night unfolded. Here are a few photos from the red carpet arrivals last night:

A stunning-looking and strong-sounding Whitney Houston made a triumphant return to the stage at a pre-Grammy party honoring her mentor, music mogul Clive Davis. “I’ve got it, I’ve got it!” Houston, looking glamorous in a skintight leopard dress, sang early Sunday morning as she belted a line from one of her classic hits, “I’m Every Woman.” But more than a lyric, it summarized to the crowd of A-list superstars and top industry execs that the superstar — whose drug use and erratic behavior had caused a shocking fall from grace just a few years ago — was back in top form … Houston’s mini-concert put an exclamation point on a night that included a rousing performance by Kelly Clarkson, an unlikely but magical duet between Jennifer Hudson and Barry Manilow and a rambling monologue by Kanye West. “I have to bow in the presence of greats right now,” West said as he looked out into the crowd, which at one point included Sir Paul McCartney, Prince, Diddy, Rihanna, the Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, Quincy Jones, and other luminaries. “I’m just humbled by your greatness, and also Clive,” West told the audience. Davis, the music mogul who founded labels, signed greats ranging from Houston to Bruce Springsteen to Janis Joplin, and resuscitated the careers of veterans like Rod Stewart and Carlos Santana, was honored by the Recording Academy as an industry icon on Saturday, hours before Sunday’s Grammys. For nearly three decades, Davis’ pre-Grammy party and concert had become one of the industry’s most coveted invites; this year, the Recording Academy took the event over and honored Davis instead. But while Davis got an award, he still held court like it was his own party, acting as the evening’s host as he introduced performers like Stewart, the Kings of Leon and Leona Lewis. Diddy got the often staid crowd on their feet with a moving rendition of his tribute to the slain Notorious B.I.G., “I’ll Be Missing You,” with Biggie’s widow, singer Faith Evans, and a gospel choir. Clarkson got one of the evening’s biggest ovations with her performance of her new single, “My Life Would Suck Without You” and the Joplin gem “Piece of My Heart.” But Hudson was perhaps the night’s biggest star — until Houston hit the stage. Starting with the Super Bowl last Sunday, Hudson has been raising her profile after spending months in seclusion following the slayings of her mother, brother and nephew last October. A smiling Houston performed her hit “Spotlight,” which earned her one of her four Grammy nominations, and got a standing ovation from the crowd. But she raised the bar with a pairing with Barry Manilow, injecting one of his signature songs, “Weekend in New England,” with a lacking ingredient — soul. Afterward, the Oscar-winner joined the audience (and friend Fantasia), stood in the front and danced and sang as Houston performed. Houston started off with “I Will Always Love You,” but didn’t hit the high, sustaining notes that made the song such a dramatic, stirring hit. Instead, she kept her voice at medium power, deciding to croon rather than soar. But as she got into hits like “It’s Not Right, But It’s O.K.,” her voice appeared to get stronger — and louder, and while she never replicated the vocal gymnastics of some of her past work, delivered a mesmerizing performance nonetheless. The 45-year-old, one of the best-selling artists of all time and among the greatest singers, hasn’t made an album since 2002. Then she was was sinking due to drug use and a tumultuous personal life — a far cry from the princess image she cultivated since her debut in the 1980s. But the singer is expected to release an album sometime this year, and unlike other reported returns, this comeback seems to be the real deal. “She was on it, she was happy — she’s back,” said Foxx. “Everybody else watch out.”

This Grammy Awards Salute to Icons affair sounded like a night to remember. I cannot even fathom what it must be like to be in presence of so much talent all in one room. The fact that even Kanye West was humbled, well, that should tell you something. After the jump, check out a bunch of photos that range from the performance stage to the interaction in the audience …

Carrie Underwood is the latest celeb to have her likeness made into a wax statue for display at Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum … unfortch for Carrie, tho, her statue was not made by the London branch of Madam Tussaud’s (which is known for their expertly flawless recreations) and was instead made by the folks at the Las Vegas, NV branch of the museum … which may explain by Carrie‘s statue looks like it has Céline Dion‘s face … EW!

Carrie was a good sport to show up for the unveiling of her wax likeness but if I were her, I’d sue. Carrie Underwood looks far prettier than her waxen doppelgänger … especially in these pics.

[Photo credit: Splash News]