Montreal’s own Arcade Fire took home the Grammy for Album of the Year for The Suburbs. It was the band’s only win of the night. Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs beat out albums by Eminem, Katy Perry, Lady Antebellum and Lady Gaga. Eminem had 10 nominations. He left with only two wins for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Solo Performance. Country trio Lady Antebellum took home five awards, including Song and Record of the Year for their hit “Need You Now.” Canadians Drake and Justin Bieber lost the Best New Artist award to jazz musician Esperanza Spalding.
Other Canadians had better luck. Michael Buble’s album Crazy Love won the Best Traditional Pop Album award. Neil Young’s “Angry World” won the Grammy for Best Rock Song. The three-and-a-half hour telecast was jam-packed with performances, and started with a tribute to Aretha Franklin, who only appeared in a pre-recorded video. Other performers included Cee-Lo Green, Lady Gaga, Mumford & Sons, Bob Dylan, Eminem, Rihanna and Janelle Monae.