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Grammys 2016: Kendrick Lamar, Adele, Lady Gaga deliver hits and misses

The Grammys are billed as music's biggest night, but while some of the world's top acts truly delivered, others were a drag.

The night's best and worst performances onstage

Jessica Wong CBC News Posted: Feb 16, 2016 3:04 PM EST | Last Updated: February 16, 2016

Lady Gaga performs a tribute to David Bowie at the 58th annual Grammy Awards on Monday in Los Angeles. (Matt Sayles/Invision/Associated Press)

The Grammys are billed as "music's biggest night,"but while some of North America's top acts truly delivered, others were simplya drag. Who stole the show and who stunk? Check out our admittedlysubjective tally with a taste from each performance and an overall highlights video below.

Taylor Swift, Out of the Woods

There was nothing specifically wrong with Swift's opening number per se, but it lacked the foot-stomping, infectious,joiner-anthem power usually required from performances that kick off theGrammys.With Bruno Mars,MarkRonsonand crewin attendanceresplendent in their sorbet-coloured suits it seemedUptown Funkwould have been a more natural choice for the starter. Rating: Meh.

David Bowietribute

Actors who are great in biopics always say the same thing:"Interpretation, not impersonation." LadyGaga's extended tribute to David Bowie was more of the latter than the former, with makeup and costume changes dominating the tepid performance that tried to mash together too many of Bowie's hits.SureBowie was camp, but the edge and artistry he embodied was largely absent from this tribute. Rating: Boo.

Hamilton

It's rare to see a musical celebrated on the Grammysstage, but Hamiltonwas worth it. The historical portrait reimaginedas ahip-hop musicalfit nicely into the rap-celebration theme prevalent throughoutthe evening, and its cast showed theperformers in L.A.what it means to bea true triple threat.Plus, with tickets for the musical in such high demand, this is as close as many of us will get to seeing Hamiltonanytime soon. Rating: Rave.

Maurice White tribute, That's the Way of the World

What do you get when you match living music legendStevieWonderand members of the young, talented vocal sensationPentatonix? A moving,low-key yet funkyacapellahomage to the lateEarth, Wind & Fire founder that had musicians of all stripes groovingin the audience (Common,RobinThicke,the Foo Fighters andJanelleMonae, just to name a few). Rating: Rave.

Adele, All I Ask

We all know Adele has great pipes, but apparent technical glitches resulted in the beloved pop star sounding ... less than her usual self. Perhaps the problem is that we hold Adele to higher standards than other singers, but flat high notes and an unmemorable new single made this an appearance that everyone (including Adele herself, judging by her seeking-a-burger tweets) would rather forget. Rating: Boo.

Kendrick Lamar, The Blacker the Berry/Alright

The five-time winner added some much-needed edge to what can be a safe and cosy affair.He depicted young black men in handcuffs, African dancers, a blazing fireonstageand then there was Lamar himself, spewing lyrics like: "I know you hate me, don't you?" into the microphone. If art is supposed to provoke discussion and ignite emotions, this did it. Rating: Rave.

JustinBieber,DiploandSkrillex, Love Yourself/Where Are U Now

Starting out with a soloacoustic rendition of his "I'm-so-over-you" trackLove Yourself, the pop starnon-Beliebersloveto hate awkwardly punted away his guitar before bounding to another stage to join EDMuber-producersDiploandSkrillexfor his Grammy-winning dance recordingWhere Are U Now.Aside from some half-hearted kicky moves, it felt lacklustre from the former teen star who should be more energetic amid hiscareer revival. Rating: meh.

B.B. King tribute, The Thrill is Gone

You can't manufacture soul, but you can put together the perfect tribute to salutethe King of the Blues.Country singer Chris Stapleton, guitarist Gary Clark Jr. and King's longtime friend Bonnie Raitt produced a melodic, soulful rendition of The Thrill is Gone.At age 66, Raitt also showed the mostly millennial nominees in the audience how to truly own the stage. Rating: Rave.

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