The Grammys were a three and a half hour self-congratulatory music industry extravaganza, but that's not to say that there weren't some really fantastic performances throughout the broadcast. Listed below are some of the most engaging performances of the night, as well as some of the least.*

*Not included: the stripped down performances that introduced other live acts, e.g. The Lumineers's performance of "Ho Hey."

3 Performers Who Really Brought It

Justin Timberlake ft. Jay-Z - "Suit & Tie"

Timberlake's first appearance on the Grammys stage in a long time didn't disappoint. While "Suit & Tie" remains divisive in terms of its appeal (not cool enough?, too poppy?), one cannot deny JT's command over song and dance. The change to a black and white tone really underscored his new throwback soul image. 

Also: you know a song's got street cred when Jay-Z literally just walks up on stage to deliver his rap verse.

fun. - "Carry On"

A lot has been said about fun.'s performance style—yes, it's a lot to handle, but when you're constantly being compared to Queen, it only makes sense that you'd pull out the stops when it comes to production and live playing. This was played up in full effect during the band's Grammys performance, in which rain fell on the stage. Too much? Perhaps, except that Nate Ruess's voice was strong during the entire set and the musicians on stage didn't miss a beat, even when they were soaking wet. Respect.

ALSO SEE: Grammys 2013: Fun.'s Grammy Upset

Bruno Mars, Sting, Rihanna, Ziggy and Damien Marley - Bob Marley tribute

While Mars opened up with his own tune, "Locked Out Of Heaven," the musicians on stage segued into a full bodied cover of Marley's "Could You Be Loved." Mars's solo performance was spectacular—this writer personally doesn't like his detached playboy personality, but can't deny that the man's got chops—but alongside the other class A musicians on stage, including Marley's sons Ziggy and Damien, this tribute was easily the most rocking one out of the many that night.

3 Performers Who Could've Done Better

Mumford & Sons - "I Will Wait"

Mumford, Marshall, Levitt and Dwane might be reaching for success comparable to, say, other British foursomes of the past, but this static performance did them no favors. For a group that's supposed to have an electric live performance feel, this was just okay. C'mon boys, you've already made banjos exciting and relevant; surely you could make something special out of the limited stage space.

Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko - "Stay"

Now, RiRi looked and sounded hot during this performance. And yes, "Stay" is the next single off of her album "Unapologetic." But this is a woman who is known for (symbolically) flipping off anyone who criticizes her. Then again, she performed a romantic ballad in front of an audience that knew she was seated next to Chris Brown, so maybe that was the point she was trying to make. Regardless, for a woman who apologizes to no one, this seemed awfully tame. Leave it to the Underwoods and the Clarksons of the world to perform low energy ballads—Rihanna's most winning feature is her sass, and there was none of that on display last night.

ALSO SEE: Grammys 2013: Did The Winners Win In Fashion?

Frank Ocean - "Forrest Gump"

First off: thank goodness the Recording Academy didn't schedule any Chris Brown performances. Considering that it was on the eve of one of the Grammy ceremonies that the attack heard of around the world happened, the fact that Brown's been a consistent performer, attendee and nominee is a disgrace to the entire music industry.

ALSO SEE: Chris Brown Is Disgusting

THAT SAID, ohhhh Frankie. Ocean's first Grammys performance had been hyped considerably, especially considering that his hand's still bandaged up from his actual physical fight with Brown. But that couldn't excuse Ocean's shaky, off key and unemotional rendition of "Forrest Gump." Visuals aside, the only interesting thing about the performance was how a man who so carefully handles and maintains his artistic integrity and innovation could fall so short on one of music's biggest stages.

Read more of NT's Grammys coverage here.

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