It has become a popular opinion of late that the Grammys are slightly out of touch and recognize some artists too much, while completely forgetting others. Of course, the Grammys are not responsible for being in touch with whatever is most popular or known, but they are definitely responsible for being in touch with quality music. The problem here is distinguishing between popular, commercially successful music and overall “good” music.

Many complaints have been floating around about the Best New Artist award, its nominees being the Zac Brown Band, Keri Hilson, MGMT, the Silversun Pickups and The Ting Tings. Upon listening to these artists, it’s not a question of whether or not they have talent. But…who are they? MGMT’s “Kids” and “Electric Feel” distinguished them among new alternative artists and were a great start to what will be a fantastic career, and the Zac Brown Band is the talented epitome of pure, old-fashioned country. Many complain of not knowing the Silversun Pickups, but their popular songs “Panic Switch” and “Lazy Eye” have been steadily drawing in fans since their release. Could it be that this award is actually going to be based off quality and not popularity?

If that is the case, somebody should have thought to include David Cook for Best New Artist. Though he was most likely overloooked because of a petty bias against American Idol, his absence has left a large number of Grammy viewers bitter and unsatisfied. In the Best New Album category, many would have liked to see Phoenix’s Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix or Maxwell’s BLACKsummer Night. No one was surprised to see Kelly Clarkson’s nomination for Best Pop Album, although it was a shocking disappoint that it was her only one.The Dave Matthews Band pulled through for a nomination for Best Album, to the surprise, yet delight, of many fans.

There have been numerous complaints regarding Michael Jackson not being nominated this year; however, hopeful fans are in luck. His album This is It didn’t make the deadline, but it’s more than likely that we’ll see it in next year’s Grammys.

However, the 52nd Grammys were surprisingly entertaining. Lady Gaga opened the night with fun renditions of the popular “Poker Face” and “Speechless.” She ended her act with an unexpected original piano ballad with Elton John. Though the song was decent, it took away from the act and left audiences calmed down rather than pumped up.

Pink wowed audiences with a dangerous but incredibly beautiful acrobatic performance of “Glitter in the Air.” Suspended above the audience, she twisted and twirled on a single white sheet with a Cirque du Soleil-esque routine. Not only was it visually attractive but it was also an incredible vocal performance.

The other memorable performance was of “The Earth Song” by Jennifer Hudson, Smokey Robinson, Carrie Underwood, Usher, and Celine Dion. The only let down was the lack of attention on the 3D effects. Most of the televised audience was not prepared and it took away from the on-screen effect.

Beyonce took home a record number of six awards: Song of the Year and R&B Song for Single Ladies, Female Pop Vocal for Halo, and Female R&B Vocal, Traditional R&B Vocal, Traditional R&B Vocal and Contemporary R&B Album. That’s cool. Now maybe you and Taylor Swift can go away for a little bit and let us miss you.