{blackbabes} Grammy performances: The music is why we tune in

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All hail the Queen

Performers:Yolanda Adams, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Martina McBride and Florence Welch

Recap: Mighty-voiced ladies representing multiple genres saluted the Queen of Soul in a medley that began with them trading lines on Natural Woman and ended with a feisty Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves. There was, predictably, a little over-reaching on the melisma, but all sang with gusto and obvious heart.

The Lady can't help it

Performer: Lady Gaga

Set:Born This Way

Recap: Our Lady of Perpetual Provocation floated in, chanted, sang, led a chorus line and showed ample skin — not to mention some pointy shoulder extensions — in her latest expression of herself.

Letting her roots show

Performer:

Miranda Lambert

Set:The House That Built Me

Recap: Warm and conversational but full of conviction, Lambert's performance juxtaposed the vocal and technical flash evident in other numbers.

Hello, Gorgeous!

Performer:Barbra Streisand

Set:Evergreen

Recap: The 68-year-old diva looked dewy and lovely in golden curls, and if this signature tune didn't sound as effortless as it does in the decades-old recording, she invested it with seductive warmth and knowing.

Power Trio

Performers: Bruno Mars, B.o.B., Janelle Monáe

Set:Nothin' on You, Grenade, Cold War

Recap: After a gushy Ryan Seacrest intro, the three rising stars proved endearingly game. Mars strained for some top notes (as did Monáe) but also winningly summoned old-school R&B stars with his smooth moves and charismatic presence.

Song for Solomon

Performers:Mick Jagger, Raphael Saadiq

Set:Everybody Needs Somebody to Love

Recap: The lavishly gifted Saadiq and his excellent band provided supple, soulful support for Jagger's virgin outing at the Grammys, a joyful tribute to the late, great Solomon Burke.

Southern comfort

Performer: Lady Antebellum

Set:If You Don't Know Me by Now, American Honey, Need You Now

Recap: Sweet harmony was the key to this charmingly low-key medley, which opened with an homage to soul icon Teddy Pendergrass and concluded with the country group's easily infectious hit.

Approved for all audiences

Performers:Cee Lo Green, Gwyneth Paltrow and the Muppets

Set:Forget You

Recap: How do you turn the year's most controversially titled hit into family entertainment, sort of? Substitute a less offensive f-word and throw in Gwyneth Paltrow — a great sport and funkier than anyone had a right to expect — and a bunch of colorful, lovable creatures (Cee Lo among them).