The 43rd Annual Grammys dodged Eminem's chainsaw Wednesday night, honoring craft over controversy.

        Despite predictions, members of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences picked venerable duo Steely Dan over Eminem. Walter Becker and Donald Fagen were the night's big winners, taking the top Grammy, album of the year, for Two Against Nature.

Rapper Eminem and Elton John join hands at the end of their duet. (Associated Press photo) | ZOOM |

        Eminem settled for rap solo and album and rap duo with Dr. Dre. Dr. Dre's work on Eminem's The Marshall Mathers LP was a huge part in its success, and he deserved his best-producer Grammy.

        The Eminem flap was the biggest hype of the night, a move to draw viewers that was just as phony as his embrace with Elton John after they did “Stan.”

        Eminem's major nomination signaled the Grammys are ready to recognize controversial rap; they're just not ready to honor it.

        The same went for Madonna, who opened the three-hour show with her hit, “Music,” proving she still cannot sing. She was shut out of the record and female pop awards.

        For once, the majority of winners was truly worthy. U2 and Macy Gray deserved their wins; Shelby Lynne earned her best new artist Grammy with a dramatic reinvention.

        And while such Grammy perennials as B.B. King, Sting and Sheryl Crow continued their streaks, there were lots of surprises.

        Sure, Faith Hill was a knock for country female and album, but Johnny Cash, a longshot for country male, whupped his better-selling, younger competition.

        The Man in Black lost the contemporary folk Grammy to the equally deserving Emmylou Harris, but longshot Dave Alvin took the traditional folk award for Public Domain.

        One of the most satisfying awards came early, when Joni Mitchell's understated Both Sides Now won the trad-pop prize over Barbra Streisand's overblown money machine, Timeless - Live in Concert. The Grammys got it right.

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