LOS ANGELES — While she was locked out of being in attendance at last night's Grammy Awards, Amy Winehouse still managed to make her presence felt.
The British retro soul singer nearly pulled off a clean sweep, winning five Grammys out of her six nominations, including record of the year, song of the year and best new artist, at last night's 50th annual ceremony at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Winehouse, who had her Visa denied by U.S. officials and could not travel to the ceremony, still performed live via Satellite from London, belting out her hits "Rehab" and "You Know I'm No Good."
Winehouse thanked her producer Mark Ronson, her mother and father, and her husband Blake Fielder-Civil. "To my Blake, my Blake incarcerated," she said. Fielder-Civil is currently in a London jail awaiting trial.
The 24-year-old Winehouse was denied a clean sweep by Herbie Hancock, whose Joni Mitchell tribute album, "River: The Joni Letters," took home the prized Album of the Year honors.
"I'd like to thank the academy for courageously breaking the mold this time," the veteran jazzman told the audience. "This is a new day, that proves that the impossible can be made possible."
Hip-hop star Kanye West, who led all artists with eight nominations, took home Grammys for best rap album, best rap song and best rap solo performance. He and Common also won for best rap performance for a duo or group (for Common's "Southside," in which West was featured). The 30-year-old star also delivered the night's most powerful moment when he sang "Hey Mama," giving an giving emotional tribute to his late mother Donda West, who died in November. Following an electrifying performance of his hit "Stronger," West, who had "mama" shaved into his head, sang the emotional song off his 2005 album "Late Registration," getting down on his knees at one point as tears fell in the audience.
"I appreciate all the support, I appreciate all the prayers," West said regarding his mother while accepting the best rap album award. Then, addressing his mother, he said, "I know you want me to be the No. 1 artist in the world. And, Mama, all I'm gonna do is keep making you proud."
View the entire 50th Annual Grammy Awards Winners List
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