Although the glitz and glamour of the Grammy Awards were overshadowed by the tragic death of Whitney Houston, the stars and performers turned out in full beauty force to honor the fallen icon.

British songbird Adele turned up the volume on her trademark 1960s glam visage. Her thick black winged eyeliner and false eyelashes were joined with a new addition–matte red lips. With her teased flipped hair, she looked more like a modern Marilyn Monroe than her usual ode to Catherine Deneuve. Bravo nonetheless. And the slim Armani gown was extremely figure flattering.

Jennifer Hudson continued her winning streak on the red carpet with a simple black dress and clean glowing makeup. She gave good face with flawlessly lined and contoured eyes with a touch of gold shimmer and huge faux eyelashes. Clean-bronzed skin and glossy lips completed the look. Her tribute to Whitney Houston was admirable, if not weak.

Katy Perry turned the red carpet blue in a demure pale blue Elie Saab gown. Although the gown was a tad conservative, she turned up the sass with a neon blue French twist updo and hot pink lips. Perfectly applied eyeliner and flawless skin contributed to her a stand out look. Also, loved the sexy silver rimmed eyes. 

Believe it or not, Kelly Osborne actually made grey/violet hair sexy and modern. Worn in loose waves, the style softened her wide face to perfection. Classic glamour make-up of false eyelashes, strong brows and baby pink lips gave her an A plus beauty evening.

Newly blonde Rhianna looked every bit the sex siren in a plunging Armani black gown reminiscent of a trip to Studio 54. Unlike past shows with heavy black eyes and trendy dark lips, she went the soft route with smokey eyes and pinky nude lips–the perfect make-up for soft blonde waves. 

I adored Taylor Swift’s messy braid and piecey bangs. Combined with dewy skin and peach blush, she finally looked sexy and young. Although I don’t believe for a minute she was really playing that banjo–but it did make a good prop.

Lady Gaga–her face covered in a fishnet veil–wowed the crowd in classic red lips, winged black eyeliner and enormously arched eyebrows ala a modern day Joan Crawford or Evita Peron.  Amazing. Also loved her Versace gown and gold scepter. 

American Idol alum Carrie Underwood always looks a little high school prom for my tastes, but she did look pretty at the Grammys. I loved her mile high false eyelashes and flawless skin–and she has the best smile on the planet.

After numerous make-up mishaps at past shows, Fergie looked fresh and pretty. In soft make-up and nude lips she never looked better. And her simple ponytail worked perfectly with her square jaw. Kudos to her eye catching orange Jean Paul Gaultier peek-a-boo lace dress–although not sure what to think of the Grandma panties.

Missing the make-up mark was Alicia Keys in an unflattering “spaceship landed on my head” hairdo.  Boring make-up and a lack of powder or blot papers contributed to her poor presentation–but her tribute to Etta James was stunning. 

Nicki Minaj looked ridiculous in an ill fitting “little red riding hood” dress. The “I’m trying too hard to out Gaga Gaga” rapper hit the red carpet with a man dressed as the Pope–very tasteless. Her cheap looking blonde wig and messy make-up left a lot to be desired. 

As much as I love Kelly Clarkson, she needs to find herself a gay best friend. Once again, she showed up to award shows dressed like a middle-aged housewife going to a country club dance. I mean, put some effort into it, girl. Blah make-up and ratty hair didn’t help. Better luck next time, kid.