Grammy nominations 2014: Highlights from the concert

Click through the gallery for a look at the performances at the 56th Grammy Awards nominations concert on Dec. 6, 2013.  (AFP / Getty Images; Los Angeles Times)

Macklemore, pictured, and Ryan Lewis open the program with a rendition of “Thrift Shop.”  (Rob Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Ryan Lewis works the stage - and excites the audience - with his performance of “Thrift Shop.”   (Rob Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

LL Cool J takes the stage as the evening’s host and brings on the charm - again.   (Rob Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Taylor Swift works the stage as she sings “I Knew You Were Trouble.” Her performance was a telecast from Australia to the Nokia Theater.  (Rob Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Grammy Award winner Enrique Iglesias announces the nominees for Album of the Year.   (Rob Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Katy Perry delights the audience with “Roar” before admitting she used a “goose bump test” when ranking the song, which she didn’t expect to be such a hit. She performed from a remote location.   (Rob Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Ed Sheeran, a nominee for Best New Artist, represents the nominees for Pop Duo Group.  (Rob Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Kelly Rowland reveals the nominees for Best Country Album and manages to squeeze in a “Happy Birthday, Mom” announcement.   (Matt Sayles / Invision / AP)

Keith Urban, left, and Miguel collaborate to sing Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine.”   (Rob Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Miguel, pictured, and Keith Urban collaborate to sing Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine.”   (Matt Sayles/ Invision / AP)

Keith Urban, pictured, and Miguel collaborate to sing Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine.”   (Matt Sayles/ Invision / AP)

Arsenio Hall reveals the nominees of Best New Artist.  (Matt Sayles / Invision / AP)

Much-buzzed about Aussie musician Lorde performs her hit “Royals” with an acapella beginning.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

LL Cool J takes the stage with Victoria’s Secret Model Candice Swanepoel.   (Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)

Melissa Etheridge, left, and Pauley Perrette announce nominees for Record of the Year.  (Matt Sayles / Invision / AP)

Verdine White, left, of Earth, Wind and Fire, Robin Thicke and T.I. perform “Blurred Lines.”   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Verdine White, left, and Robin Thicke lean together while performing “Blurred Lines.”  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times )

A general view of the atmosphere onstage during “The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night” at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.  (Rob Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)