Funny how after a rapturous rendition by Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" that Rihanna -- decked out in all blue -- won an award with Jay-Z for "Umbrella." That's either good planning or good luck.

Amy Winehouse's performance was anticipated for so many reasons -- her recent stay in rehab, plus the fact she just hasn't been seen all that much in the States. She's the rare artist who hasn't been overexposed. We've heard more about her problems than we've actually seen her in action.
Would she be a trainwreck, like Britney Spears' disastrous MTV Awards appearance?

Thankfully, after a nervous start, she shined on "You Know I'm No Good" -- lagging a bit behind the beat, performing a more spontaneous, jazz-like version than the CD. "Rehab" worked too -- she seemed to grow more confident. It was a hoo, too, seeing with her a hand-clapping male soul revue. Loved the way she just waved off the last word, smiling demurely, coyly. She's a star -- troubled perhaps, but a star nonetheless with charisma and soul.
GIve the Grammy Awards props for staying with her, and arranging her live performance by satellite. Her reaction upon winning "Record of the Year" was one for the ages; I swore she was going to faint or worse.
. "Uh...thank you, she said, questioningly, before finally putting together a few names to thank. "To my Blake, who's incarcerated," she finally added, "and to London."
You could sense her fear, near panic and vulnerability but it's also her genuineness that makes her endearing and why you want to root for her. Eventually, she will probably develop a shield, like all stars, who learn proper award-show banter and etiquette. It was refreshing to see her so genuinely shocked -- practically befuddled -- by the acceptance and applause the Grammy Awards gave her. I don't think she's quite realized how much people love her record.