The usual crowd of glammed-up pop stars, actors, and other Hollywood curiosities were on hand last night to celebrate the 49th annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Making the biggest entrance of the night was the recently reunited 1980s band the Police, who performed their first hit single, “Roxanne,” to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its release. Other performers included Mary J. Blige, who shared the stage with Earth, Wind & Fire and rapper Ludacris; Justin Timberlake, and “American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood, who is the fourth consecutive singer from the TV series to be nominated for a Grammy award.

Stand-out nominations included Record of the Year nods to Ms. Blige for her single “Be Without You,” and the Dixie Chicks for their country song “Not Ready to Make Nice,” written in response to disenchanted fans who denounced the band after its lead singer, Natalie Maines, criticized the war in Iraq. Winners as of press time included Mr. Timberlake and producer Timbaland in the Best Dance Recording category for the single “Sexy Back,” and rapper T.I.’s single “What You Know” for Best Rap Solo Performance.