The Grammys: music’s biggest night. The Grammys is an anticipated event for music lovers across the country. Music artists from all genres gathered together to celebrate and give honor to those who have excelled in their craft within the past year. This year, music group FUN and singer Frank Ocean were the most nominated, both receiving a total of six nominations each. It was Mumford & Sons, though, with their album “Babel” who took the grand prize, winning Album of the Year.

Rapper/actor LL Cool J hosted this year’s three hour show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, doing a decent job. Showing the impact of the digital age, he would occasionally announce what viewers were tweeting and responded to a few.

Country starlet Taylor Swift opened the show with what seemed to be a circus. She performed her hit “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” dressed as a ringmaster with a parade of entertainers alongside her. Although the drama-filled performance had nothing to do with the song, it was still entertaining.

Various tributes showed respect and appreciation for deceased and iconic artists throughout the night. Elton John performed a riveting tribute to rock musician-turned-actor Levon Helms who passed away in 2012, and Kelly Clarkson blew everyone away in her tribute to Patti Page and Carole King. Rihanna, the Marley’s, Bruno Mars and Sting gave melancholic tributes a lively twist by performing various up-beat songs for reggae legend Bob Marley.

There was also a surprise appearance by Prince who looked like he was trying to pull off the vampire look by coming out dressed in all black with sunglasses and a cane. Unfortunately, to the audience’s disappointment, Prince uttered a few words and did not perform.

What might have been one of the most anticipated performances of the night was the return of Justin Timberlake. He marked his return alongside hip-hop guru Jay-Z and certainly did not disappoint.

The Grammys also sent rumors flying when the cameras turned to Chris Brown and Rihanna sitting next to each other. While they did not arrive or walk on the red carpet together, they were not shy to pose for the cameras. Brown gave Rihanna a standing ovation when she performed her gut-wrenching ballad “Stay” with Mikky Ekko off of her most recent album “Unapologetic.”

CNN reported a total of 28.37 million viewers tuned in for the Grammy’s this year. This was the second largest viewership for the Grammys in 20 years.

From powerful and soulful collaborations, unforgettable moments and humble acceptance speeches, it is no doubt that this year’s Grammys outshined past years.

Grammy 2013 Winners:

Album of the Year: Mumford & Sons “Babel”

Record of the Year: Gotye featuring Kimbra “Somebody That I Used to Know”

Best New Artist: FUN

Best Country Album: Zac Brown Band “Uncaged”

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: Jay-Z, Kanye West, Frank Ocean, The Dream “No Church in the Wild”

Best Pop Vocal Album: Kelly Clarkson “Stronger”

Best Rock Performance: The Black Keys “Lonely Boy”

Best Urban Contemporary Album: Frank Ocean “Channel Orange”

Song of the Year: Fun featuring Janelle Monae “We Are Young”

Best Country Solo Performance: Carrie Underwood “Blown Away”

Best Pop Solo Performance: Adele “Set Fire to the Rain (live)”

Best Rap Album: Drake “Take Care”

Best Electronica/Dance Album: Skrillex “Bangarang”