While watching the 2012 Grammys, two strong themes emerged: 1. Everyone misses Whitney Houston (and so do we) and 2. Adele freaking rules. We also noted the absence of Kanye West and Lady Gaga's absence from the spotlight (after her egg stunt at last year's Grammys, we expected a lot more than that tame-ish fishnet getup). This year's show seemed to be much more about the performances than the awards and red carpet spectacles. Without further ado, let's take a look back on the best moments of the night: 

6. Comeback Kid Chris Brown's energetic, Zumba-laden performance of "Turn Up The Music" and "Beautiful People”

Chris Brown's return? Memorable. Chris Brown as a person? No comment.

5. Willie Nelson's Chipotle Commercial During the Grammys 

This Chipotle commercial is actually months old, but it still managed to make a huge impact on viewers watching the show. We dare say Willie Nelson's tear-inducing version of Coldplay's "The Scientist" eclipsed Chris Martin's "meh" duet with Rihanna, which aired right before the commercial. 

4. LL Cool J kicks off the Grammys with a prayer for Whitney Houston

Though this may have been a controversial move for the hip hop star and Grammy host, LL emphasized that doing the prayer was his choice — and it was clearly genuine. It seemed an appropriate move given the Grammys aired less than 24 hours after Whitney Houston's death. 

3. Nicki Minaj's weird Exorcist-themed performance was so bad it might be... good?

We gotta hand it to Miss Minaj because homegirl fully committed to her Grammys performance — she even showed up to the red carpet with, you guessed it, a pope. (Nice try, Nicki, but we still think Lady Gaga's egg stunt takes the cake for Grammys entrances.) As for her performance? We'll just say that it was definitely something... just watch!

2. Jennifer Hudson's emotional Whitney Houston tribute

Though the former American Idol-er reportedly had a hard time with this one during rehearsals, she really came through during the Grammys. 

1. Adele chokes up during her "Album of the Year" acceptance speech

This one is absolutely, hands down the most adorable moment of the night. Adele had us at "Oh, I've got a bit of snot." Y'know what? We'll just make this a twofer and pair it with her powerful performance of hit single, "Rolling in the Deep." (And doesn't she sound a bit like a character on Downton Abbey?) 

HONORABLE MENTION:  Lil' Wayne was NOT arrested backstage

'Nuff said. 

Well, did we miss anything? Sound off in the comments below!

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