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Grammy Awards: The Most Shocking Moments in the Show's History

Long after the final statuettes has found their way into the hands of the winners, what's often remembered best about any particular Grammy Awards broadcast is the strange, sensational and shocking events that we witnessed. Here is a look back at the greatest, weirdest and, sometimes, most unfortunate but definitely the most unforgettable moments of Grammy presentations past.
Rihanna and Chris Brown in Assault Shocker
Rihanna and Chris Brown
WireImage
Rihanna and Chris Brown both failed to attend the Grammys in 2009 due to a reported violent dispute that occurred between the then-couple shortly before the awards show. Brown was charged with felony assault against Rihanna, who had to be hospitalized for her injuries. She was nominated for two awards that night, and both she and Brown were set to perform at the show.
50 Cent Gives Two of His Cents to Amy Lee
Evanescence
Getty Images
In 2004, when Evanescence received the award for Best New Artist, singer Amy Lee walked up to the mic for her acceptance speech and immediately said, "Oh, no, what did I do?" 50 Cent, who was also nominated for the Best New Artist award, had stormed the stage, striding toward her with an "I should have won" swagger.
Janet Jackson Turns Modest Post-'Nipplegate'
Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake
WireImage
Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake were to appear at the 2004 Grammys one month after the Super Bowl "nipplegate" fiasco. Timberlake apologized for the "wardrobe malfunction" while accepting his second award. Jackson, on the other hand, sheepishly stayed home.
Andre 3000 Shakes Indians Like a Polaroid
OutKast
Getty Images
OutKast's Andre 3000 ruffled more than a few feathers in '04 when he performed his Grammy-winning hit, 'Hey Ya,' with a peculiar Native American theme. Protesters claimed the act perpetuated disrespectful stereotypes of American Indians.
Simon and Garfunkel Break the 'Silence'
Simon and Garfunkel
WireImage
After a decade of not speaking, Simon & Garfunkel opened the 2003 awards with a haunting performance of 'The Sounds of Silence.' It was the first time since '98 that the Grammys had taken place in New York City, and the hometown boys proved a fitting start.
Shelby Lynne: The Best Not-So-New Artist
Shelby Lynne
Newsmakers
After 13 years in the music biz, Shelby Lynne snatched the Best New Artist award at the 2001 Grammys. Even Lynne herself noted the irony of the win, quipping, "Wow, it took six albums to win Best New Artist."
Sir Elton Comes Out for Slim Shady
Elton John and Eminem
Getty Images
To close the 2001 Grammys, Eminem took the stage with Elton John. for a performance of the song 'Stan.' Gay-rights activists, offended by Eminem's lyrics, staged a protest at the event, but were muted by the support from openly gay icon John.
Dylan Gets 'Bombed' Onstage
Bob Dylan
Getty Images
Bob Dylan's performance of 'Love Sick' at the 1998 Grammys took a turn for the bizarre when a man with "Soy Bomb" scrawled on his chest leaped onto the stage and gyrated for more than 30 seconds. Security removed the stage crasher while Dylan retained his poise.
O.D.B. Bum-Rushes for the Kids' Sake
Ol' Dirty Bastard
Getty Images
In 1998, the late Ol' Dirty Bastard interrupted an acceptance speech by singer Shawn Colvin to protest the Wu Tang Clan's loss of the Best Rap Album award earlier in the night. The defense for his actions? "Wu Tang is for the children!"
Pearl Jam Couldn't Care Less
Eddie Vedder
Pearl Jam
Some musicians come off as if winning is no big thing. But Eddie Vedder gave an apathetic speech for the ages at the Grammys on Feb. 28, 1996 when Pearl Jam won for Best Hard Rock Performance. Vedder stepped up to the mic and said, "We just came to relax. We just wanted to watch the show." He later stated, "I don't know what this -- I don't think this means anything."
Sinead Doesn't Want What She Has Got
Sinead O'Connor
Redferns
Sinead O'Connor boycotted the '91 Grammys due to the "extreme commercialism" of the event. After her appropriately titled 'I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got' CD won for Best Alternative Album, she became the first artist to refuse a Grammy.
The Rap Revolution Should Be Televised
Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff
WireImage
By 1989, hip-hop had come a long way -- but not far enough for the Grammys. Many rappers boycotted, as the first-ever rap trophy was not presented on air. DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince won, but declared that "rap music is too big to be overlooked."
Metallica Snubbed for First Metal Award
Metallica
Getty Images
After their electrifying performance of 'One,' Metallica seemed poised to win the first-ever Best Metal Performance award, in 1989. But to everyone's surprise, the group lost to Jethro Tull, a band known more for its folky flute solos than for menacing guitar riffs. Metallica took home the award the following year.

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goowohoo

why is it always a black artist that argues they should of won ?

October 01 2011 at 11:46 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tim

They had come back from a comercial and without intro
at right stage stood Barbra and on the far left Neil.
The song began ...the crowd screamed they got closer to each other as she walked to him, touched his face, he kissed her hand the crowd went nuts...You Don't Bring Me Flowers. The most shocking display of talent and class in Grammy history!

February 13 2011 at 10:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
DB

What's a Grammy?

February 13 2011 at 9:28 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
doris

hi thanks for all the great news keep it comeing

February 11 2011 at 7:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to doris's comment
James Wilson

You do know you can get 20 free downloads right now from Save Creatively's site, right? Just look for the offer on the freebie page. There were no fees at all when I got my songs.

February 13 2011 at 11:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply