The talk show host then threw props to the Cinderella missing the ball:

"I don't know why Susan Boyle isn’t here,"’ he quipped. "…Remember you may be the coolest people in the world. But this year your industry was saved by a 48-year-old Scottish cat lady in sensible shoes!"

The pre-show hoopla about Sunday being ladies' night proved mostly hype as Lady GaGa, Beyonce and Taylor Swift delivered workmanlike performances. Neither Sasha Fierce nor the cute country crooner’s matched their performances from the VMAs. Beyonce's number with Stormtroopers lacked jolt and Taylor'ss voice cracked out of tune during a duo with Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks. (Lucky for her Kanye West wasn't in the house because she would have never got to finish.)

The night's most dazzling diva was Pink, who as usual pour her soul while singing Glitter In The Air all the while dangling in midair.

The night's most anticipated moment came when Michael Jackson's children Prince and Paris accepted a special tribute to their father.

Looking gorgeous and encircled by family members, the heirs to Michael's music and mystique received a standing ovation.

"We are proud to be here to accept this award on behalf of our father Michael Jackson,’’ said a composed Prince. "First of all, we'd like to thank God for watching over us for these past seven months. And our grandma and grandpa for their love and support. …Through all [Michael’s] songs, his message was simple. Love. We will continue to spread his message and help the world. Thank you. We love you daddy.”

The 3-D tribute to Jackson proved less compelling with a schmaltzy video, but the vocal performances of Celine Dion, Usher, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Smokey Robinson were more affecting.

The night's biggest award winners were Beyonce, who took home six awards, including Song of the Young, and country girl Taylor Swift, who bagged four trophies, including the coveted Album of the Year.

"I just feel like I'm standing here accepting an impossible dream, and I just want to thank you for this,’’ Swift said after her first win of the evening.“

Though Gags bagged two trophies before the on-air festivities, she failed to nab any prizes during the live show.

In addition to Pink, the night's best performances belonged to Black Eyed Peas’ I Got A Feeling, Jamie Foxx and T-Pain's jumping version of Blame It, and Eminem et al.’s rat-a-tat rhymes from Forever.

A joyful Dave Matthews threw himself a party onstage and invited his band and backup.

Green Day, Jon Bon Jovi, and Jeff Beck all did honorable jobs representing the rock niche.

For a complete list of the night’s winners, check out Grammy.com.