Surprisingly, I didn't receive any press releases today from the usual suspects saying that their cigars were selected for smoking at one of the big post-show parties. But unless one of the parties was taking place at the Grand Havana Room, I almost forgot that the awards ceremonies were broadcast from lovely, smoke-free Los Angeles. However, I'm sure Jay Z was somewhere in LA last night puffing on one of his Zino Platinums.

As usual, the show was filled with great performances and unique arrangements of the top songs. I was particularly impressed with Gnarls Barkley in their airline captain couture. And how could any straight, red-blooded American male take his eyes off of the sizzling Shakira?

But the performance of the night goes to Christina Aguilera who covered James Brown's "It's A Man's World." I think "The Godfather of Soul" himself would have been blown away. If you missed it, and can find it on YouTube.com or some other website, see it. Since she's not of my generation, I've never paid her much heed. But Ms. Aguilera, who has certainly paid her dues, got herself a couple of new fans last night.

~ Gary Korb