Mumford & Sons ended an unpredictable Grammy Awards with perhaps the most surprising win of the night, taking home album of the year for Babel.
Even the London folk rockers were shocked when Adele, who won the trophy last year, presented her countrymen with the award.
“We figured we weren’t going to win anything because The Black Keys have been sweeping up all day, rightfully so,” said Marcus Mumford.
Adele won the first award of the night on the main telecast, taking home best pop solo performance for Set Fire To The Rain (Live), in one of the event’s least-surprising moments.
Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys ended up the night’s top winner with four trophies, including producer of the year and three rock category victories with bandmate Patrick Carney.
Fun. took home two major awards for best new artist, which was something of an upset over R&B singer Frank Ocean, as well as song of the year for the transcendent anthem We Are Young, featuring Janelle Monae.
“I didn’t think we were going to win this one,” lead singer Nate Ruess said after their best new artist win. “Frank Ocean. The Lumineers. Everybody. Amazing.”
Like Mumford & Sons, Gotye was another surprise winner, taking record of the year for 2012’s top-selling single Somebody That I Used To Know, featuring Kimbra, and finished with three awards.
Prince, wearing a hood and sunglasses and carrying a sparkly silver cane, presented him with the record of the year trophy – and Gotye paid tribute to the Purple Rain star’s influence.
“A little bit lost for words to receive an award from the man standing behind us with the cane,” said the Belgian-Australian star.
“Many years listening to this man’s music growing up and a big reason I was inspired to make music. Thank you.”
Jay-Z and Kanye West had three wins – sharing one award with Ocean – along with electronica star Skrillex.
A slew of nominees had two wins apiece, including former best new artist winner Esperanza Spalding.
Ocean was shut out in the major categories, but took home two trophies, including best urban contemporary album.
Only Chris Brown, with whom Ocean scuffled last month, remained seated as the 25-year-old R&B winner walked to the stage during a standing ovation.
Ocean beat Brown, who attended with his girlfriend Rihanna, in the category.
Ocean also won best rap/sung collaboration for No Church In The Wild with fellow top nominees Jay-Z and West, and The-Dream.
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