It's Ladys' night at the Grammys

It was a different kind of "Ladys' " night.

Mild-mannered country-popsters Lady Antebellum and the wildly unpredictable Lady Gaga dominated the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards last night, with Lady A taking home five awards, including song of the year and record of the year for their drunk-dialing anthem "Need You Now."

Lady Gaga, who arrived at the Staples Center in Los Angeles in a space-age egg, was close behind with three Grammys, including best pop album for "The Fame Monster." Jay-Z, with a solid showing in the rap category for his "Empire State of Mind" anthem, and John Legend and The Roots, with a good haul in the R&B category for their "Wake Up!" collaboration, also landed three Grammys each.

Though many were expecting a breakthrough for indie rockers Arcade Fire, it turned out to be a breakout night for The Black Keys, whose "Brothers" album landed three Grammys, including best alternative music album.

Eminem, who started the night with a leading 10 nominations, ended up with two awards. And in a pair of stunning surprises, indie-rockers Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs" won album of the year and jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding beat out the far more commercially successful Justin Bieber and Drake, as well as critics' darling Florence and The Machine.

CAN'T FORGET THAT. Cee Lo Green, dressed like an Elton John Muppet, won the evening with his hilarious version of "Forget You," aided by Gwyneth Paltrow and cussing puppets. On an evening that can take itself too seriously, this was a belly laugh and pure entertainment.

A ROYAL TRIBUTE. The Grammys opened with a tribute to Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, winner of 18 Grammys and provider of so many of the ceremonies' memorable moments. A collection of some of music's best singers - Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Florence Welch, Yolanda Adams and Martina McBride - tackled a medley of her songs, with Aguilera, fresh from her Super Bowl debacle, doing especially well with "Ain't No Way," though she stumbled at the end. Miss Franklin appeared on video, thanking people for their support and their prayers during her illness. "I'm sorry that I can't be with you tonight," she said. "Next year, OK?"

FIRST-TIMERS. Though a string of newcomers took home their first Grammys last night, some veterans also picked up their first prizes. Mavis Staples, 71, won her first Grammy for best Americana album and thanked her father, Pops. When Neil Young, 65, won for best rock song for "Angry World," he said, "This is my first Grammy for music and I appreciate it greatly. I'm not Mavis, but I'm close."

HEY! HO! LET'S GO! The Ramones received their first Grammy on Saturday night when the Queens punks were awarded a lifetime achievement award, along with Julie Andrews, Dolly Parton, Roy Haynes, Juilliard String Quartet, The Kingston Trio and George Beverly Shea.