Top Five Performances At 2010 Grammys

4- Mary J.Blige & Andrea Bocelli's "Bridge Over Troubled Waters"

In tribute to the 40th year anniversary of Paul Simon and Art Gunfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Waters," the unlikely pairing of R&B artist Blige and the pop tenor Bocelli was a performance in search of an appropriate superlative (sorry, I couldn't think of one that would give it justice). Joining forces, their song was an appeal for the fund-raising efforts of Haiti. The once-in-a-lifetime performance (audio and video)  is available for download at iTunes.com/Target. All proceeds will go to the American Red Cross, benefiting the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

5- Dave Matthews' "You and Me"

Only the Dave Matthews Band could turn a 'tiny song' big! With 45 people in total, featuring back-up choruses, percussionists, horn players and a string section from a symphony orchestra, they blew this tune out of the Staples' Stadium. Matthews himself was the most animated I have ever seen him on stage, as he elbow-danced his way to the song's crescendo, reminiscent of Joe Cocker.




So these are my favorites. There were others including Jamie Foxx's joint with the likes of T-Pain and Doug E, but I discounted it because the sound was pre-recorded. Also, there were some questionable performances as well. I agree with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Scott Mervis' assessment of some of the less stellar moments. Here's the awards he handed out.

Best bleepin' rap medley: The Eminem/Lil Wayne/Drake/Travis Barker mash-up that kept tripping the censors. Or was that my TV? No, I definitely think they sprinkled that tune with plenty of four-letter expletives.

Worst audition for Fleetwood Mac: Taylor Swift cracking on the high notes of "Rhiannon" in a duet with Stevie Nicks. Worse yet, the Mac diva had to stick  around for a duet on "You Belong With Me," even though it was clear it was not her cup of tea.

Band most likely to star in a remake of the "Sgt. Pepper" movie: The Black Eyed Peas want to be so 3010, with their robots dancers, but those black uniforms also screamed Beatles fetish.

For those interested in purchasing the 20 songs acknowledged by the Grammy Academy, a download is available for $9.99 at iTunes.

20 Songs at the 2010 Grammys

So, there you have the best and the "could-have-been-better" performances of the evening. Take a moment and vote for your favorites in our Top Five Performances At 2010 Grammys POLL (see below) - and if we missed your favorite, please let us know.