Whitney and Kanye and domestic violence, oh my!

Just as it's been for three or four years now, last night's celebration was again the launchpad for Whitney Houston's impending (and certainly thrilling) comeback. At Clive Davis' request, Houston sang a medley of songs at the pre-Grammy gala before later presenting an award and then disappearing into the night. Look for her one year from now at the start of her latest comeback.

The very pregnant MIA performed without incident, despite the fact that her due date was yesterday. Good for her. But oh how we wish we could have seen Kanye West slip in amniotic fluid, a panting MIA rushing offstage.

Also, yes, it's true! The LAPD is confirming that 19-year-old pop singer Chris Brown was forced to pull out of last night's awards at the last minute after assaulting his equally famous girlfriend, 20-year-old Rihanna. The couple got into a physical altercation in the middle of the street in Hollywood early Sunday morning, at which point a witness called 911. Rihanna was left with bruises and Brown left the scene before the police could arrive, but he eventually turned himself in and is currently being held on $50,000 bail. The general public can be sort of snooty when it comes to beating up women, so we think it's safe to say Brown's Doublemint gum ads are over, regardless of the tearful apology that's no doubt being crafted as we type.

It seems like just yesterday Chris Brown was recording his debut record at the tender age of 16. They grow into disgusting batterers so fast, don't they?

In the most touching moment of the night, Jennifer Hudson, whose mother, brother and nephew were murdered in November, won for best R&B album and thanked her "family in heaven."

On the fashion front, save for MIA, whose pregnant belly bulged underneath sheer black fabric, most attendees were subdued: "Many women played it low-key and safe, wearing black and very little bling. The men generally stuck with traditional tuxes, save for a few purple ties or navy shirts. Was it a sign that celebrities are reigning in over-the-top, designer looks in our tight economy…" Could be, but don't expect them not to be back to wearing diamond teeth and million dollar necklaces as soon as their publicists tell them that doing so won't be completely offensive to the almost 8 percent of Americans without a job.