The Arcade Fire shocked the world last night when they took home the award for Album of the Year for their third album The Suburbs.   They beat out Eminem, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Lady Antebellum for the top prize.   While I’m not a big fan of the band, I’m happy they won the award because I’ve heard the album and it is a good album, despite my musical preference.  The album had been hailed by critics and fans alike and it’s a big win for alternative/indie rock.  It was dissapointing to most hip hop fans and people in general who expected Eminem to win for his album Recovery.  I thought he was going to win, it would’ve been huge for Em after his comeback, and for Hip Hop.

Record of the Year and Song of the Year went to Lady Antebellum for their hit “Need You Now.”  Not really mad at that because it’s expected, but one of the categories should’ve went to a different artist.  But Esperanza Spalding for best new artist?!?  That’s just crazy. Drake should have won the award.  I wouldn’t of been mad if Florence + the Machine, Mumford & Sons, or Justin Beiber had won the award, they all would have been way more deserving.  Who the f*** is Esperanza Spalding??? 

Eminem took home the trophy for Best Rap Album and Rap Solo Performance. “Empire State of Mind” won Best Rap Song and Rap/Sung Collaboration.  John Legend & The Roots won 3 awards for thier album Wake Up, including Best R&B album and song.  The Black Keys continued their break out year by winning Best Alternative Rock album for Brothers and Rock performance by a duo or group for their hit song “Tighten Up.”  Usher won for best Male R&B vocal performance and Contemporary R&B Album.  “Love the Way You Lie” didn’t win an award despite the song being nominated 5 times.

Record of the Year:
“Need You Now” – Lady Antebellum

Album of the Year:
“The Suburbs” – Arcade Fire

Song of the Year:
“Need You Now” – Lady Antebellum

Best New Artist:
Esperanza Spalding

Rap Album:
“Recovery” – Eminem

Rap song:
“Empire State Of Mind” – Jay-Z & Alicia Keys

Rap solo performance:
“Not Afraid” – Eminem

Rap performance by a duo or group:
“On To The Next One” – Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz

Rap/sung collaboration:
“Empire State Of Mind” – Jay-Z & Alicia Keys

Female R&B vocal performance:
“Bittersweet” – Fantasia

Male R&B vocal performance:
“There Goes My Baby” – Usher

R&B Performance by a duo or group with vocals:
“Soldier Of Love” – Sade

Traditional R&B vocal performance:
“Hang On In There” – John Legend & The Roots

Urban/alternative performance:
“F*** You” – Cee Lo Green

Best R&B song:
“Shine” – John Stephens, songwriter (John Legend & The Roots)

R&B album:
“Wake Up!” – John Legend & The Roots

Contemporary R&B album:
“Raymond V Raymond” – Usher

Rock album:
“The Resistance” – Muse

Rock performance by a duo or group with vocals:
“Tighten Up” – The Black Keys

Alternative music album:
“Brothers” – The Black Keys

Female pop vocal performance:
“Bad Romance” – Lady Gaga

Male pop vocal performance:
“Just The Way You Are” – Bruno Mars

Pop performance by a duo or group with vocals:
“Hey, Soul Sister” (Live) – Train

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals:
“Imagine” – Herbie Hancock

Pop vocal album:
“The Fame Monster” – Lady Gaga

Dance recording:
“Only Girl (In The World)” – Rihanna

Electronic/dance album:
“La Roux” – La Roux

Producer of the year, non-classical:
Danger Mouse

Reggae album:
“Before The Dawn” – Buju Banton