Judas Priest, AC/DC Win Big at 2010 Grammys

The 2010 Grammys have come and gone, with Taylor Swift and Beyoncé walking away the night's biggest winners, but friend of Noisecreep Rob Halford and British metallers Judas Priest finally took home the bronze statuette for Best Metal Performance, edging out fellow nominees Slayer, Megadeth, Ministry and Lamb of God, who were no-shows at the awards because a massive snowstorm kept them in their native Virginia.

After four previous nominations, Halford, who accepted the Grammy wearing a tuxedo and his trademark shades, said that "the fifth time [was] the charm." He dedicated the prize to all heavy metal fans, and informed the audience that Priest have been at it for 25 years strong, and that they have no plans of slowing any time soon. He later thanked the fans and the media, who have long supported the outfit.

While this year's Grammys were, as they are every year, a pop- and hip-hop-heavy affair, the metal moments didn't end with Priest's win. AC/DC won the Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance, besting the likes of Alice in Chains, Linkin Park, Metallica and Nickelback. Alas, no one from the band was on hand to accept the award, so, sadly, there was no acceptance speech from Brian Johnson and the gang.

Spinal Tap's 'Back From the Dead' was in the running for the Best Comedy Album statue, but of course, failed to net a win. Instead, that honor went to Grammy host Stephen Colbert, bringing back haunting memories of Jethro Tull's 1989 win over Metallica. Sacrilegious!

And former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash injected a little heavy into T-Pain's performance of 'Blame It,' which also featured actor Jamie Foxx. Slash, decked in his infamous top hat, shredded during the song's finale, playing the outro to GN'R's 'November Rain.' It proved that Slash can collaborate with anyone and still make it sound killer.

Then, there was Bon Jovi, who, unbelievably, delivered their first-ever performance from the Grammy stage. Fans of the band logged on to the Grammy Web site and voted on which track Jon and the boys would tackle. Of course, the fans wanted to hear 'Livin' on a Prayer.' The Jovi obliged, and also played 'We Weren't Born to Follow' and 'Who Says You Can't Go Home.'

All in all, it was a typical year for metal and hard rock at the Grammys, which is to say that once again, pop stars and rappers overshadowed the accomplishments of metal greatness.