USA: Stars from the world of music walk the red carpet for the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles

Celebrities stroll, wave, twirl and sing on the red carpet as they make their way into the music industry's biggest night. The 49th Annual Grammy Awards got underway Sunday night (February 11th) in Los Angeles. The 49th Annual Grammy Awards got underway Sunday night (February 11th) in Los Angeles. Veterans and newcomers alike from the world of music paraded down the red carpet amidst the usual fanfare. A highlight of the night for many was the much-anticipated peformance of The Police, together again 30 years after first forming in the U.K. Hip hop rapper Wyclef Jean was one of many who expressed enthusiasm at the prospect of seeing the legendary band play live again. "Every year you know the Grammys is happening, you're like, what's next, what's next," said Jean. "Um I, I, I look. For me, the Police is the high. Like you can't get no higher than the Police. So I'm going to be like a 14-year-old kid today. I don't know about you, but I'm gonna be out of my seat like 'Roxanne, put on your red...' Drive me crazy." Latin American pop phenomenom Shakira was excited about both The Police reunion and performing at the show along with a dear friend. "The Police. Cause I'm a big fan of theirs. And my own performance as well cause I just hope everything comes out all right. And I'm very, very glad that I'll be performing and sharing the stage with my friend Wyclef Jean, who I love." Singer Mary J. Blige, nominated for eight Grammys this year, said she is pleased to have gotten multiple nods after a career that has spanned 15 years, and also about seeing Sting and company strike up the band. "I'm feeling really, really good, and happy and full. And that's it. (Who do you want to see perform tonight?) The Police. (Any of the awards?) They all mean pretty much the same, but record of the year would be nice." Newcomer Corinne Bailey Rae was looking forward to being part of the festivities, as well as being able to sing for the musical greats she most admires. "Today the focus for me is the performance. You know for the first time in my life I get to play at The Grammys in front of Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones, and like all my musical heroes so I'm playing with John Legend and John Mayer, playing a song that I wrote myself, I play guitar, you know. So, iIt's just heavy, you know. And the thing I'm looking forward to is that performance. And just wondering what that will feel like." Meanwhile, English singer-songwriter James Blunt said he was happy to be there for both the show and the post-show celebrations. "I'm just enjoying being here actually. You know, I, I've been to the Grammys before. It's really special to back again. And I never thought that time that I'd be back here playing or nominated. So yeah, fun. And looking forward to the after parties."

ITN Source | February 15, 2007

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