Lady Antebellum, Arcade Fire Win Top Awards at Grammys
Feb. 14, 2011— -- Country music artists ruled music's biggest night as Lady Antebellum scored Grammy awards for best record, song and country song of the year and Lady Gaga literally broke out of her shell to take home three awards Sunday.
The Lady Antebellum trio's song "Need You Now," became a crossover hit. The group won a total of five Grammys.
Lady A singer Hillary Scott said their victories represented a proud moment for the country music industry.
"We really wanted to make Nashville and the country music community proud tonight and I hope that they feel that way and I think it shows that country music is relevant and it's relatable," Scott said backstage.
But the night's top award -- album of the year -- went to virtually unknown Canadian indie rock band Arcade Fire for "The Suburbs."
In a night of surprises and upsets, the 53rd annual Grammy Awards in held Los Angeles, offered array of more memorable performances than previous shows.
Backstage, Arcade Fire band members told reporters they were just as surprised by the win as presenter Barbra Streisand said their name.
"The idea never entered my mind, even in the slightest bit at any point of my life until they said the name of the album," one band member said.
Another surprise winner included jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding for best new artist - beating out more popular singers like Justin Bieber and Drake.
"I take this honor to heart so sincerely and I'll do my damnedest to make great music for all of you. It's such an honor and God bless," said Spalding.
Rapper Eminem had 10 nominations but won only two - best rap album and rap solo performance.
Lady Gaga took home awards for best female pop vocal performance best short form music for "Bad Romance" and best pop vocal album for "The Fame Monster."
And country singer Miranda Lambert scored her first Grammy for best female country vocal performance for "The House That Built Me."
For more on Lady Gaga's performance at the Grammys, Click Here
Tribute to Aretha Franklin
The show opened with a tribute to the original Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, from today's soul, country and gospel divas.
Christina Aguilera, who took heat last week for botching the national anthem at the Super Bowl, went first with "Ain't No Way."
Country singer Martina McBride was up next with "Until You Come Back to Me," followed by British singer Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine with "Think." Jennifer Hudson tackled the iconic "Respect", and gospel great Yolanda Adams rounded things out with "Spirit in the Dark." The ladies closed with the empowering "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves."
Franklin, who is reportedly battling pancreatic cancer, wasn't able to attend the show but sent in a pre-taped message thanking fans for their well-wishes and prayers and promised to make it out next year.
