The Grammy’s showcases the best music has to offer. Usually known for live performances and famous appearances, it is disappointing the show’s rating have been so low in the past. Sadly, this year has no exception, which will probably be remembered more for Chris Brown’s off-stage drama than Jennifer Hudson’s emotional speech.

Cancellations and legal issues plagued the ceremony. Chris Brown, the prince of R’amp;B, turned himself into Los Angeles police on suspicion of assault. CBS’s taped introduction listed Brown and his three-time Grammy-nominated girlfriend Rihanna as performing, but neither made it to Sunday’s show. Her press agent said Rihanna is well, yet fans hoping to see the artist perform her 2008 hit song might be in ‘Disturbia.’

In addition, talk has been raised as to the origins of Coldplay’s Best Song of the Year winner, ‘Viva La Vida.’ In a ’60 Minutes’ interview, ‘A Look at the ‘Mystery’ of Coldplay,’ Steve Kroft asks lead singer Chris Martin about two separate allegations of plagiarism. Martin confronted the issue and said, ‘I think that the way to deal with these things, if you know it’s not true then you just have to say, ‘I’m really sorry, but it isn’t true.’ That’s it!’

In light (or in shadow) of these legal problems stands the stunning win by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss for Best Record of the Year ‘Please Read the Letter,’ and Best Album of the Year ‘Raising Sand.’

Another star silhouetted by the Brown drama and her own recent family tragedy is Jennifer Hudson. In an acceptance speech for Best R’amp;B Album of the Year, Hudson dedicated her award to her slain family members and to God.

Other notable appearances included a nine-month pregnant M.I.A singing with Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, T.I. and Kanye West. The Jonas Brothers, winners of Best New Artist, joined Stevie Wonder in a rendition of ‘Burning Up.’