U2 is the 'Bomb'

It should have been Kanye West's night. After a disappointing showing at last year's awards show (where Ray Charles made a posthumous sweep), West arrived with ''Late Registration," which is widely regarded as the artistic triumph of 2005. The outspoken rapper was positioned for a richly deserved haul, but won only three of the eight awards for which he was nominated -- all in rap categories.

Yet West's performance of the hit single ''Gold Digger" with actor/singer Jamie Foxx -- complete with competing marching bands and elaborate costumes -- was the audiovisual spectacle of the 3 1/2-hour telecast.

West wasn't the only disappointed nominee. Last night could have been the crowning moment in Mariah Carey's comeback, but the pop-soul singer, who hasn't won a Grammy since 1990, ended her 16-year drought with only a trio of trophies in R&B categories.

Carey was bested by a tearful Kelly Clarkson in the best pop vocal performance, which the ''American Idol" won for the ubiquitous single ''Since U Been Gone." Clarkson validated the ''Idol" talent-finder franchise -- but neglected to thank the television show that launched her -- when her ''Breakaway" earned best pop vocal album, squeezing out Paul McCartney and Gwen Stefani, among others.

In the end, U2 walked away as the night's big winners, going five-for-five. ''How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" won album of the year and best rock album, while ''Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own" earned song of the year and best rock performance. The Irish band's ''City of Blinding Lights" also won for best rock song.

''You're next," U2 lead singer Bono said to West from the stage upon winning the night's final prize.

Along with West and Carey, newcomer John Legend went into the evening with eight Grammy nominations, the largest tally. He left with a big haul-- taking the best new artist prize, as widely predicted, but also snagging the best R&B album trophy for his classy neo-soul debut ''Get Lifted" and best male R&B vocal performance for the lovely ballad ''Ordinary People."

Elsewhere, the Grammys stuck with old favorites, giving awards to Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, and Emmylou Harris. The late Charles made his presence felt again when music from the biopic ''Ray" won Grammys for movie soundtrack and score. And no woman has won more Grammys than 34-year-old bluegrass fiddler Alison Krauss, who walked away with three awards last night, including best country album, for which she beat out superstars Brad Paisley, Faith Hill, and Gretchen Wilson.

Finally, Detroit garage-rock duo White Stripes scored the best alternative music award for the album ''Get Behind Me Satan" -- trumping the more deserving but less radio-friendly Arcade Fire.