The Scene: February 22, 2008

A bevy of nominees — oh hell, the entire music industry — was ready to party even before the curtain went up on the 50th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony, where John Legend helped Fergie unveil a softer side, Kanye West bonded with a surprising friend, and big winner Amy Winehouse upstaged everyone from 5,463 miles away. Ah...just as we expected.

Odd Couple
Daughtry and Chris Brown in happier times, were all smiles and peace signs at Clive Davis' Feb. 9 pre-Grammy party — approximately 24 hours before both nominees would sadly be sent home empty-handed.

Hats Off
Brad Paisley, who sang ''Ticks'' on the live telecast, picked up a Best Country Instrumental Performance Grammy for ''Throttleneck.''

English Rose
A flirty Amy Winehouse gave a triumphant performance via satellite from London, and voters gave the troubled troubadour five Grammys — including Best New Artist — in return.

Rock & Grohl
Moptopped Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl led a rousing performance of their Grammy-winning track ''The Pretender.''

R&B Royalty
Fergie, who was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal for ''Big Girls Don't Cry,'' sang the ballad ''Finally'' with help from ivory-tickling collaborator John Legend. At the Sony BMG Grammy After-Party he said, ''I wrote 'Finally' with Fergie...and it was a pleasure playing it with her tonight.''

Evening Shades
Kanye West and Staples Center seatmate Rita Wilson (and no, we still can't believe this strange pairing either) pal around in the audience. It was a good night for West, who won four trophies, including Best Rap Album.