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The GRAMMYs were last night! And if I could describe them in one word, it would be:

ADELE (a-dell) 1. (adj.) The state or quality of being awesome.  2. (noun) A GRAMMY Award winning singer from England of the same name.

Yeah. Adele. We all knew she was great when “Chasing Pavements” hit American radio in 2008, but her latest record was destined for great things from the second we heard the opening guitar riff to “Rolling in the Deep.” Not that you’ll have any trouble finding it, but go listen to it again. It’s badass and true, and a song that’s timeless because it’s RELATABLE to all of us.

She was nominated for SIX gold trophies last night, and she took them ALL. And here’s the thing: she was up against super-talented artists EVERY TIME.

I look at it this way. The artists who were nominated against Adele are like the golfers who were great during Tiger Woods’ prime. They’re all amazing, but there’s only room for ONE at the top.

Everything about her was cool last night. She looked great and proved how lovable she can be with her acceptance speeches. And her first performance after vocal surgery? BOOM. Incredible. I was bobbing my head and stomping my feet like I was in the front row. Saw her open for John Mayer in LA in 2008. GOTTA see her again soon.

As for the REST of the show, there were definitely highs and lows, but it’s like the Super Bowl of music, so I have to watch it every year, even if my favorite “teams” aren’t involved. 

LOWS:

-Nicki Minaj’s live, on-air exorcism. I’ve seen enough movies like this already, and they always freak me out. I CAN say that it’s the first time I’ve been scared during the GRAMMYs, so, touché, Ms. Minaj.

-Chris Brown. Three years ago GRAMMY night we had the incident with Rihanna. Last night he gets a GRAMMY and two performances. I know there’s a word out there for this, but I can’t think of it. Maybe you can help me out.

-Dave Grohl being cut off during his heartfelt speech urging kids to pick up instruments and play REAL MUSIC. There was a lot of irony in this situation, and I didn’t like it.

HIGHS:

-Did I mention Adele yet?

-The Civil Wars in their 60-second clip of “Barton Hollow.”

-Bon Iver. Don’t listen to him [yet], but I’m ALWAYS a fan of the underdog. C’mon. I’m an NC State fan. You know this.

-Jennifer Hudson. It was a fitting tribute. And nice to be reminded she can do more than speak for Weight Watchers.

Bonus High of the night:

-SIR PAUL McCARTNEY. He deserves his own category, of course. The guitar battle during his first performance was OUTSTANDING, and you couldn’t ask for a better ending to a night of music than THE MEDLY from “Abbey Road.” He blew me away, as always, and I hope the kids watching out there got punched in the face by his wave of talent.

Anyway, overall it was a GREAT night for music and celebration of the art. Looking forward to ALL of the new sounds we’ll hear in 2012, and excited for what who we’ll see on stage next year.

-D.