THE 35TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS : What They Said

“I just feel incredibly guilty. The one person I want to thank is my son for the love he gave me and the song he gave me.”

Eric Clapton, accepting the record of the year award, his sixth award of the evening.

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“I hope this puts to rest another rumor that’s been in the press for years. . .Me and Janet really are two different people.”

Michael Jackson hugging sister Janet.

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“May I take the time to put an end to another rumor. We are two different people.”

Grammy host Garry Shandling, hugging singer Tina Turner.

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“I’m a bit confused. I just got off the plane a little bit ago. I don’t know what to say. I don’t think I’m deserving of this. There are better songs.”

Clapton, after his first televised acceptance, for male pop vocal performance.

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“I think the other song, the Vanessa Williams one, should have got (the award) because it kept us out of No. 1 for about two months.”

Clapton, after his second award, for song of the year.

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“Every time Clapton stood up (to accept an award) he’d say ‘It’s not the best song.’ But to me it is the best song ‘cause the sentiment and writing were from the heart.”

Country singer Vince Gill, on Clapton’s sweep.

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“I can’t tell you whether that should be the album of the year of not. I’d like to think that the album of the year would be ground-breaking work.”

Daniel Lanois, one of the producer of the year winners, on Clapton’s “Unplugged.”

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“The message is that running through the bloodstream of American culture are the words of Howard Ashman and this is a man who was infected with AIDS.”

Alan Menken, co-writer of the “Beauty and the Beast” songs, on his late partner Howard Ashman, who died of AIDS.

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“Any questions--or opera is not of your interest?”

Tenor Placido Domingo, to the press after winning the award for best opera recording.

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“Bye-bye.”

Domingo, after 10 seconds of silence.

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“To be part of a classic. . .it happens only once in your life if you’re lucky. To be part of a classic at 24. . .Five years ago I couldn’t speak a word of English.”

Quebec native Celine Dion, on her Grammy for co-singing “Beauty and the Beast.”

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“Magic said I have a nice jump shot.”

Flea, bassist of the Grammy-winning Red Hot Chili Peppers, on the highlight of his evening.

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“I listen to oldies music and hear ‘Purple Haze’ on the radio and they go ’25 years ago today’ and I swear to God I turn the wheel and go right into the guard rail. Which is what I did 25 years ago.”

Shandling