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Grammys Report: Dixie Chicks Vindicated, Rick Rubin Praised

The Police gave a triumphant reunion performance, unknown Robyn Troup got her groove on with Justin Timberlake, and producer Rick Rubin got thanked more times than the Almighty. But the 49th Annual Grammy Awards belonged to the Dixie Chicks. The controversial country trio, who were written off by many after they alienated fans and provoked radio boycotts with some pointed anti-Bush comments in 2003, capped a triumphant comeback by picking up five Grammys, including the big three—Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.

"I think people are using their freedom of speech with all these awards," said the group's brash lead singer, Natalie Maines. "We get the message." During another acceptance speech, she also couldn't resist borrowing the mocking "Hah-ha" catchphrase from Nelson, the bully character on The Simpsons. "Just kidding," she quickly added. "A lot of people just turned their TVs off right now. I'm very sorry for that."

The Red Hot Chili Peppers also came up big last night, earning four Grammys for their double album, Stadium Arcadium. Both Stadium and the Chicks' Taking the Long Way were produced by Rick Rubin, who earned Producer of the Year honors.

As usual, however, performances upstaged the actual awards. The Police opened the evening with a bang, performing their hit "Roxanne" and whetting fans' appetites for an expected world tour. Christina Aguilera delivered a scorching tribute to James Brown, performing the late Godfather of Soul's hit, "It's a Man's World." And Justin Timberlake appeared twice, performing his hits "What Goes Around Comes Around" and "My Love," the latter with rapper T.I. and "My Grammy Moment" winner Robyn Troup. Troup, a 19-year-old amateur from Houston, Texas, was selected from among thousands in an online competition voted on by both fans and judges. Throughout the Grammys' live broadcast, fans were encouraged to text votes, American Idol style, on the three finalists, all of whom sat expectantly in the Grammy audience.

For a complete list of the evening's winners, visit GRAMMY.com. --The ARTISTdirect Staff
02.12.07