Grammy Awards 2013 recap [Video]

By Scott Sandell

Feb. 11, 2013 12 AM PT

The 55th Grammy Awards honored a wide range of acts on Sunday night. Mumford & Sons’ “Babel” was named top album, Gotye won record of the year for “Somebody That I Used to Know” and the New York City group Fun. took home awards for song of the year with “We Are Young” and for best new artist.

What to make of it all? Join Times pop music critic Randall Roberts and Times staff writer Todd Martens as they discuss the Grammys in a video chat right here at 10 a.m.

The victories in the four major categories were in keeping with an evening that saw relatively youthful acts rewarded by the voting members of the Recording Academy. And unlike last year, there was no Adele-like sweep.

GRAMMYS 2013: Full coverage | Pre-show winners | Winners | Ballot

Still, the show had its dramatic moments. Among them was Frank Ocean’s singing of “Forrest Gump” on a set that made it seem as though he were on an outdoor treadmill. Though Ocean’s critically acclaimed solo debut album, “Channel Orange,” won the urban contemporary album award (beating out Chris Brown’s entry, no less), some critics felt Ocean was more deserving of the album of the year award. Or at least best new artist, for which Fun. scored the upset.

Even Fun.’s singer Nate Ruess seemed surprised, making it clear he had not prepared in case his band won. “I didn’t think we were going to win this one, gotta be honest,” Ruess as the camera showed a stoic Ocean.

FULL COVERAGE: Grammy Awards 2013

Of course, the Grammy Awards show is more than just about the awards.

During three-and-a-half hours of airtime, there were more performances than actual honors handed out. Among them were Justin Timberlake singing “Suit & Tie” (telecast in black and white), Carrie Underwood singing “Blown Away” and “Two Black Cadillacs” (while wearing a dress that projected colorful imagery) and Rihanna singing “Stay” (without much of the accessorizing that typically comes during her onstage appearances).

And then there were the mashups for which the Grammys have become well-known.

Rising songwriter and singer Ed Sheeran shared the stage with veteran Grammy darling Elton John. Later, Bruno Mars teamed with Sting and Rihanna in a Bob Marley tribute. And several members of Americana acts, including Alabama Shakes and Mumford & Sons, sang alongside veterans John, Mavis Staples and T-Bone Burnett in a salute to drummer Levon Helm of the Band.

What did you think of the Grammys? Let us know.