LL Cool J, hosting the 54th Grammy Awards, pays tribute to Whitney Houston. The televised awards show was held Sunday at Staples Center.

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Host LL Cool J opened the Grammy ceremony with a prayer for Whitney Houston.

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Opera mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato performs during a pretelevised portion of the 54th Grammy Awards.

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The Grammy stage is alight with images paying tribute to Glen Campbell.

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Glen Campbell is accompanied by members of the Band Perry during the 54th Grammy Awards.

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An image of Chris Martin goes psychedelic.

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Rihanna and Chris Martin perform during the 54th Grammy Awards telecast.

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Nicki Minaj performs her song "Roman Holiday" in an elaborate number filled with religious imagery.

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Nicki Minaj begins to levitate during her performance of "Roman Holiday."

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Adam Levine, right, and Maroon 5 perform as part of a tribute to the Beach Boys, who also joined in the ever-growing production number.

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Rihanna rocks out at Staples Center.

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Adele gives a powerhouse performance at the Grammys, her first since her surgery.

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Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson duet.

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Katy Perry channels her ferocious anime side in a performance at the Grammys.

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The Ladies of Gospel perform at the pre-telecast ceremony.

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The Rebirth Brass Band at the pre-telecast.

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Foster the People, left, join with Maroon 5 for a Beach Boys tribute with Brian Wilson and the boys.

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Chris Brown and dancers scale the set during their performance.

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Crooner Tony Bennett is joined on stage by country songbird Carrie Underwood.

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Saxophonist Dave Koz gets a little jazzy during a pre-telecast portion of the ceremony.

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Opera singer Joyce DiDonato sings during a pre-televised portion of the ceremony.

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Bruno Mars paid tribute to the music of the '60s in a finger-snapping bit.

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Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band kick things off with "We Take Care of Our Own."

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Bruce Springsteen is in the spotlight during the kickoff number for the 54th Grammy Awards, held at Staples Center.

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Taylor Swift banjo-strums some country flavor into theGrammy Awards ceremony.

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Paul McCartney was a towering presence at the Grammy ceremony.

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Jennifer Hudson performs a tribute to Whitney Houston during the 54th Grammy Awards.

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