Los Angeles, February 10, 2008 – We’re thrilled that the Grammy Awards presentation included lots of old timers – The Band, The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Tina Turner and even Cher – and that some less-than-mainstream artists were nominated, and even won – Herbie Hancock’s recording of Joni Mitchell classics (another artist of a certain age) was named Best Album.  But mostly we’re really glad that Carrie Underwood didn’t win, like, every category for once.  (The American Idol alum did take two awards, but before the telecast.)  It’s not that we don’t like Underwood, we just don’t understand how she’s come to dominate popular music – see the American Music Awards.  Anyway, nice to some see recognition for others, like Amy Winehouse, Foo Fighters and Bruce Springsteen.

There were some funny meet-and-greets on the red carpet at the Staples Center; like Seal and Natalie Cole, Yoko Ono and Beyonce, and Beyonce and her butt cleavage-revealing dress fluffer.  The odd pairings on the stage were interesting, too.  Rihanna got some practice in the other day in New York at Madonna’s gala at the U.N. - she sang Umbrella and Don’t Stop the Music there, too, but no duet with The Time.

Apparently those of us on hand weren't the only ones who found the Grammy Awards program too long - ratings for the 3-plus hour telecast were the lowest in years.