LOS ANGELES - Pop singer Amy Winehouse, whose rapid decline into an abyss of drug abuse shocked fans last year, won five Grammy Awards on Sunday after taking a break from rehab to perform at the show from London.
But jazz veteran Herbie Hancock was the surprise winner of the coveted album of the year award for the all-star Joni Mitchell tribute "River: The Joni Letters," preventing Winehouse from enjoying a historic clean sweep of the top four Grammy prizes.
Still, Winehouse, 24, won the most awards at the ceremony. Her tally for the night included record and song of the year for her signature hit tune "Rehab," and best new artist. Hip-hop star Kanye West, who had led the field with eight nominations going into the awards, ended up with four victories.
Winehouse's "Back to Black" and West's "Graduation," both commercial and critical successes, were considered the front-runners for album of the year. The loss was likely a huge blow for West. The outspoken artist made his displeasure loud and clear after he lost the race with his two previous albums.
Hancock's win was the first by a jazz instrumental release since Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto's "Getz/Gilberto" in 1965.
The pianist and composer also won the contemporary jazz album Grammy, bringing his career haul to 12. Virtually no one among the Grammy pundits had expected him to take the big prize. Even his nomination was a surprise.
"It's immeasurable how surprised I am," Hancock, 67, told reporters backstage. "I didn't even hear my name at first, and I was waiting to hear my name, and they said it, and I didn't hear it. And then I heard the word 'River' ... Is this happening?"
The 13,000 industry professionals who vote for the Grammys do occasionally surprise in this category. In 2001, an obscure album by veteran rock duo Steely Dan took the award over the heavily favoured rap star Eminem.
