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

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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

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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'

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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

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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'

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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