This year’s Grammys show exceeded a lot of expectations.  Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr reunited to play a new song as Yoko Ono danced along; Queen Latifah married thirty-three couples live as Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, Mary Lambert, and Madonna played the hit “Same Love;” Pharrell Williams won four awards, having competed with none other than himself to win three of them.

Many familiar faces went home winners, ranging from indie-pop favorites such as Vampire Weekend, who won best alternative music album, to veterans like Paul McCartney, who won best rock song and music film, and Led Zeppelin, who won best rock album.

Some artists were notably absent.  Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, and Kanye West were all among the list of invited artists not present.  Both Timberlake and Rihanna received awards — Rihanna for best urban contemporary album (Unapologetic), and Timberlake for best R&B song (“Pusher Love Girl), best rap/sung collaboration (“Holy Grail” with Jay-Z), and best music video for “Suit & Tie,” which Jay-Z happily accepted on their behalf.

For country fans, Kacey Musgraves dominated the night, as she won best country song and best country album.  Other than Musgraves, many considered the night’s biggest winners to be Daft Punk (and their soulful sidekick for the year, Pharrell), Lorde, and Macklemore.

Daft Punk won two of the “Big Four” awards (record, song, album of the year, and best new artist).  Random Access Memories took album of the year, as well as best electronica album.  “Get Lucky” received record of the year, as well as best pop duo/group performance.  Lorde won both song of the year and best pop solo performance (making almost everyone watching over seventeen feel unaccomplished).

Finally, there was Macklemore. The emcee tied with Daft Punk with four wins of his own — taking best new artist, best rap performance, best rap song, and best rap album.  After the show, in an act some considered to be classy, and others callous, he texted fellow nominee Kendrick Lamar that he should have won best rap album for his work, good kid, m.A.A.d. City.  He then publicized the text via his Instagram so his fans could see how he felt.

All in all, the show was full of spectacle and, thankfully, free of controversy for the most part. Many deserving artists won, and winners and losers alike shared the stage for a truly memorable night.