Beyonce scoops six Grammys for catchy rhythms

• Singer is joined on stage by an array of stars for memorable night of glamour

Beyonce Knowles, the R&B artiste known for her on-stage swagger and captivating lyrics, sang her way into the record books during this year’s Grammy Awards, held on Sunday in Los Angeles, California.

Her six-gong haul during the fete — out of the 10 for which she had been nominated — made her the most successful female musician of all time in the awards’ history, and helped cement her position as one of the biggest stars of her generation.

Beyonce won the Song of the Year for Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance awards. She also took home Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song, and Best Contemporary R&B Album for the album Sasha Fierce.

The former member of the all-girl band, Destiny’s Child, is married to fellow hip hop rapper Jay Z, and the two are touted as the richest couple in music.

“I would like to thank my family for this,” she said in her acceptance speech. “I would like to thank the fans for the support.”

Formerly known as the Gramophone Awards, The Grammy Awards are presented each year by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in the US. They are considered the world’s top honour in music.

The only person, who came close to Beyonce was country sensation Taylor Swift. Her album, Fearless, dominated the US charts at the close of 2009. She took home four Grammys, including Album Of The Year for Fearless.

Black Eyed Peas and Kings Of Leon won three Grammys each, the latter picking up the coveted Record Of The Year for Use Somebody.

Picking up two Grammys each were Eminem, banjo maestro Béla Fleck, composer Michael Giacchino, Lady Gaga, Maxwell, Jason Mraz, and conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.

Keri Hilson, who had been tipped to win the Best New Artiste Award, lost out to Zac Brown Band.

There was a star-studded tribute to Michael Jackson as the King of Pop’s children appeared, brave-faced and in armbands, to accept an award on his behalf.

Lionel Richie’s spirit-lifting introduction to the evening’s Michael Jackson tribute preceded a video clip recalling the tragedy of the King of Pop’s death as well as his commitment to multiple worthy causes.

Canadian singer Celine Dion then led an all-star, 3-D rendition of Earth Song, harmonising with Usher before Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, and Smokey Robinson joined in.

kbanda@nation.co.ke