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Grammys 2013: An Insider's Report

Zoe Ward |
February 11, 2013 | 6:52 a.m. PST

Staff Reporter

Taylor Swift in the audience at the Grammys. (Swift News/Flickr)
Taylor Swift in the audience at the Grammys. (Swift News/Flickr)
The 55th Grammy Awards featured strong performances this year by amazing, powerhouse performers. As a mosh-pit participant, I experienced the musical acts from mere feet away; the performances were so close that the energy was truly contagious. Here are my top performances of the evening: 

To kick things off, Taylor Swift opened up the awards show with a performance of her hit song, "We Are Never, Ever Getting Back Together." The performance featured a circus theme, in which a top-hat adorned Swift performed alongside trapeze artists suspended in the air, clowns, and an "ex-boyfriend" on a spinning target.

The performance set a lively and promising tone for the rest of the evening - plus how could anyone resist how adorable Taylor Swift looked in that ringmaster circus get-up? 

Mumford and Sons continued to heat up the stage when they performed "I Will Wait," a definite crowd pleaser. The electrifying sounds from the banjo, guitar, and drums made it impossible not to dance and sing along.

Mumford and Sons has clearly been able to bring folk music back into the spotlight; the band later won Album of the Year for "Babel," their second studio album.

Although the Black Keys did not receive the award for Album of the Year, the Grammy nominated band still walked away with four Grammys, including Best Rock Album and Best Rock Song.

The band performed their insanely catchy song, "Lonely Boy," featuring guest musicians Dr. John and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The performance was lively, but short, and left me wishing they would sing a whole set. 

Justin Timberlake made a much-anticipated return to the stage with a performance of his new single, "Suit and Tie," featuring Jay-Z. He then tore into a song he debuted at the Super Bowl last weekend, "Pusher Lover Girl."

Timberlake showcased his strong vocals and amazing dance moves, truly wowing the audience. His return to music will certainly be celebrated—and buzz of an upcoming tour has Timberlake fans nationwide excited for the artist's return to the music world. 

Bruno Mars and Sting electrified in their performance last night. (Free Radio/Flickr)
Bruno Mars and Sting electrified in their performance last night. (Free Radio/Flickr)
Bruno Mars lit up the Grammy awards when he sang "Locked Out of Heaven" in front of a neon backdrop and cool-cat band. Halfway through the song he was joined by musical legend, Sting, who put his own style into the chorus of Mars' song. It worked.

Later the pair were joined by Rihanna, Damien and Ziggy Marley as they performed a cover of "Could You Be Loved" in a truly amazing tribute to Bob Marley. 

In addition to these performances, the awards show also featured acts by Carrie Underwood, Ed Shereen featuring Elton John, and an explosive finale by LL Cool J. In terms of this years' performances, the Grammy's definitely lived up to their name, "Music's Biggest Night"

For a full list of Grammy winners, videos, and more, visit the Grammy website here.

Read more of NT's Grammys coverage here.

Reach Staff Reporter Zoe Ward here.



 

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