I started Grammy night watching the interview with Janet Jackson. She looked incredible, but if I hear one more time about how strict Poppa Joe was.... Miss Janet would still be in Gary, Indiana, watching bootleg copies of Tyler Perry films, not starring in them, had their father been any less strict.

There were not many artists I was excited about, as I have not caught the Bieber fever. The only reason I tuned in was for the tribute to Aretha Franklin. It was the opening act, and I was not disappointed.

The diva lineup included Aguilera, McBride, Hudson, Adams and Welsh. I had never heard of McBride and Welsh, but those girls turned it out. I was like, “Show is over; it’s time to change the channel.”

Yolanda Adams was her deliciously drag queen fierce self. Aguilera, who bombed during the Super Bowl, totally redeemed herself, belting out some impressive soulful notes.

It was good to see Aretha looking healthy and glamorous.

Jennifer Hudson’s performance was not just a tribute. Some may argue it was a public audition for “The Queen,” because many feel Hudson should play Aretha in the movie.

Side note guys: Aretha originally wanted Halle Berry to get the role. Berry respectfully declined, saying she did not have the singing voice needed. Now I love the Queen, but really? Halle Berry? That would be like one of the Olsen Twins auditioning for the role of Mama Cass; it just doesn’t seem right.

Anyway, for all we know, Hudson may not be interested either, considering she already has an Oscar for playing a plus-sized diva. She might be like, “I didn’t lose all this weight to gain it right back.”

Back to the Grammys. Did you see Eminem? Was it just me or did it seem like he had aged quite a bit?

Lady Gaga performed a very Madonna-inspired number -- “Born This Way.” I am sure that song will become the new gay anthem.

The night for me was pretty tame, other than the obvious big surprise of Best New Artist not going to either Justin Bieber or Drake but to a less-known artist, Esperanza Spalding. I know people were like, “Who is that?” But if you Google her, Esperanza is a very accomplished artist and very deserving of the award. Substance over mass consumption -- an interesting outcome.

The real spectacle of the evening was the performance by Cee Lo Green. How can I effectively describe this visual? Imagine if Liberace and Elton John adopted a black baby. The baby was baptized by the Rev. Al Green and had George Clinton as its nanny. There was more bling, jewels and feathers on that stage than the entire first season of “Rupaul’s Drag Race.”

There were some other mildly interesting performances, but the Grammys is becoming known for some pretty strange collaborations. So I would like to offer Professor Locs’ Top 5 bad collaboration ideas:

• 5. Kanye West and Taylor Swift covering “Ebony and Ivory.”
• 4. R. Kelly and Willow Smith covering Captain and Tennille’s “Muskrat Love.”
• 3. Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown covering Peaches and Herb’s “Reunited”.
• 2. The Jonas Brothers covering anything from Parliament.
• 1. Kandy, Kim and the gay boy who can sing from Housewives of Atlanta covering LaBelle’s “Lady Marmalade.”

***
Professor Locs, aka Charles Easley, is an educator who explores race, class, gender, sexuality, media and popular culture with humor and insight. Click here to read his blog.

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