The Not So Bad
Duffy
The Welsh singer went for a classic look with a twist in an LBD with a sheer asymmetrical bodice and jeweled neckline.
Taylor Swift
Swift & duet partner Miley Cyrus both opted for black backless gowns; although Swift's deep V-neck Grecian style with patent embellishments was chic, Cyrus' single-shoulder gown with a giant flower came off as overdone.
Katy Perry
Perry's pastel pink fishtail dress made it tough for her to climb stairs, but she looked good standing still.
Jay-Z
Jay-Z's black suit and white shirt is a standard approach that could be considered uninspired, but it looked fresh on him.
Jennifer Hudson
Hudson has long since redeemed herself for her fashion misstep two years ago (which we won't recount here), and though the high neckline of her sculptural dress threatened to end in a makeup mishap, her overall look was soft, pretty and pulled together.
The Individuals
Estelle
The very futuristic metallic dress could have gone wrong on anyone else, but Estelle managed to avoid looking cartoonish (as in the Jetsons), even with silver peep-toe booties.
John Mayer
The new and improved John Mayer sported a black jacket with a Nehru collar and a purple shirt. Definitely different.
Sheryl Crow
Crow stood out from the sea of black in blue one-shoulder draped gown by young designer Toni Maticevski.
Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo gets points just for knowing how to tie a cravat.
The Others
Bai Ling
Bai Ling can always be counted on for something unexpected, but the bright print and shocking pink bow was too much even for her.
M.I.A.
We hate to pick on a pregnant woman, but surely M.I.A. could have found a better-looking dress than this voluminous blue-and-yellow number.
T-Pain
T-Pain looked a lot like the Hatter of "Alice in Wonderland" fame. Fortunately, his $14,000 removable grill set him apart (though not in a good way).
Cyndi Lauper
Who cares what Cyndi Lauper was wearing? Her faux hawk looked like it hadn't been combed since the last time she won a Grammy (circa 1985).
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