Eminem Gets Best Rap Album Grammy
Feb. 21 -- Who better to get the Grammys off to a splashy start than Madonna? The singer emerged from a sequined limousine onstage as her new husband Guy Ritchie looked on from the audience.
The newlywed danced her way through her hit single, "Music," accompanied by musicians and dancers onstage while paying homage to her vast career with video clips and a tank top sporting the phrase "Material Girl."
"As I was watching Madonna writhing around on the hood of the car" host Jon Stewart quipped in his opening monologue, "I was thinking, that is really going to drive up her insurance premium."
Stewart was quick to address the controversy over rap singer Eminem, under fire for his violent and homophobic lyrics. As the biggest stars in the music business made their entrances, protesters lined up outside of Los Angeles' Staples Center to contest Eminem's violent and homophobic lyrics.
Stewart said he wasn't sure what all the controversy is all about, saying, "I've met Eminem and he's really gay."
The rap star picked up the Best Rap Album award for his Marshall Mathers LP, beating out Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, DMX, and Nelly. "I guess first of all I want to thank everybody who could look past the controversy and see the album for what it is and what it isn't."
He also commented on another notorious rapper, Sean "Puffy" Combs. Stewart acknowledged the Grammy winner couldn't attend because he was on trial for gun possession and bribery charges in New York.
"We do not know whether he will be convicted," he said. "But I'm sure he would say it's an honor just to be indicted."
Awards for Eminem, Macy Gray, Johnny Cash
The controversy did not stop Grammy voters from awarding Eminem who is nominated for four awards. He picked up two before the telecast began for best solo rap performance and best rap performance by a duo or group for his collaboration with his mentor and producer Dr. Dre.
The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences began handing out awards this afternoon, also awarding Sting as Best Male Pop Vocal, and five-time nominee Beonce Knowles of Destiny's Child picked up her first award of the night as one of several songwriters named for best R&B Song "Say My Name."