Adele sweeps Grammys but night belongs to Whitney

14/02/12 12:33 CET

world news

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There was a clean sweep for British singer Adele at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. The 23-year-old fought back tears and said “this is ridiculous” as she picked up all six of the Grammys she’d been nominated for over her album “21”.

While her performance of “Rolling in the Deep” allayed fears that throat surgery late last year might destroy her voice, the Foo Fighters stressed the human element in making music as they picked up the award for best rock performance.

They then duly played a rousing version of “Walk” in a nearby tent. The song was recorded in Dave Grohl’s garage as the band shunned Hollywood’s top studios in search of an authentic rather than perfect sound.

Chris Brown picked up an R&B award; Bon Iver won best newcomer. Performers included Sir Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen, who opened the show with his new single, “We Take Care Of Our Own”.

But the night was about tributes – and for one person in particular.

“I just want to say to Whitney up in heaven, we all love you Whitney Houston,” Stevie Wonder told the audience.

Grammy and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson then took to the stage for a performance of the star’s biggest hit, “I Will Always Love You”.

More about: Awards, Los Angeles, Pop music, USA, Whitney Houston

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