It was Mariah who opened the show with the Phil Spector produced seasonal hit "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," in knee-high white boots. Next-up Celine Dion sang Janis Ian's "At Seventeen" choosing to sit on a stool for one of the more restrained performances of the night. 

The Foo Fighters rocked out with a cover of Carly Simon's "You're So Vain", Swift offered a rendition of the Brenda Lee 60s country ditty "I'm Sorry", while Aguilera showed off her vocal talents with a cover of the George Gershwin penned classic, "I Love You Porgy", made famous by Nina Simone. However, it was John Mayer who stole the show in a duet/jamming session with blues legend B.B. King as they the pair played along to Louis Jordan's "Let the Good Times Roll." 

As for the nominations themselves, New Orleans rapper Lil Wayne and Coldplay led the way, featuring eight and seven nods respectively. Chris Martin and his band featured in the three main categories including record, album and song of the year from their release "Viva La Vida". British singer Adele, 20, also bagged three nominations, for best new artist, as well as record and song nominations for "Chasing Pavements," taken from her album "19." 

The winners will be announced on 8 February at in a ceremony at the Staples Center.