Now Hear This: Quotes From The Grammys (2008)

Some of the noteworthy quotes overheard at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards:

“You couldn’t keep me from actually getting this myself — it’s not the
same when someone else gets this on your behalf.” — Carrie Underwood,
who raced onstage to accept her trophy for best female country vocal
performance during the lightly attended non-televised segment of the
Grammy Awards.

“I just got an award given to me by a Beatle. Have you had that happen yet, Kanye? Just kidding.” — Vince Gill, accepting the award for best country album from Ringo Starr.

“I appreciate everything and I know you are really proud of me right now and I know you wouldn’t want me to stop and you’d want me to be the No. 1 artist in the world. And Mamma, all I’m gonna do is keep making you proud.” — Kanye West, speaking about his late mother as he accepted the award for rap album.

“It’s a pity Amy isn’t here, but oh well, God bless her.” — Ringo Starr on Grammy winner Amy Winehouse, who couldn’t obtain a visa in time to attend the show.

“As many of you know, I first started singing when Lincoln was president.” — Cher, 61, as she introduced Beyonce and Tina Turner.

“Frank Sinatra looked good for 150, didn’t he?”– Prince, after Sinatra appeared in archival footage in a duet with Alicia Keys.

“I think she is a sexy young lady. I have kids as old as her, but I did enjoy it. That did not deter me from noticing at all.” — Morris Day on Rihanna, after his band, The Time, performed a medley with the young R&B star.

“Together these four men made music that changed the history of our planet. Tonight we honor the power of the Beatles. The power they still create in our lives.” — Tom Hanks, introducing a tribute to the Beatles.

“I think we all have to pay tribute to Ringo, here, and George, and Paul, who can’t be with us, and of course, John. And, I guess we miss those guys a hell of a lot. They are the people who are behind this award.” — Beatles producer George Martin, accepting the best compilation soundtrack album for “Love.”

“I’m so glad Kanye (West) won everything because you know how cranky he gets when he loses.” — Patti Austin, after it was revealed West had won three Grammys in the non-televised part of the awards show.

“It never gets old, believe me, it just never gets old.” — Herbie Hancock, who has won 11 Grammys dating to 1983, accepting this year’s award for contemporary jazz album for “River: The Joni Letters.”

“Grammy’s not the only one that’s 50. I just turned 51 a few days ago and this is the best present I could have imagined.” — Ashley Cleveland, accepting her award for rock or rap gospel album for “Before the Daylight’s Shot.”

“Where are those writers?” — Peter Frampton after stumbling through his teleprompter script.

“I am so nervous. All famous people around and it’s like a one-shot deal so you’ve got to do it good.” — Evelyne Lamontagne, who was part of Cirque du Soleil’s “Love” tribute to the Beatles.