Though known in the past for confidence bordering on arrogance, Ike Sr. confessed that he had trepidations about being up for this award in the category of best traditional blues album.

"It means a lot to me, but I was afraid," he said. "It's not that I didn't want to win. I was just really nervous."

As for the suit, he smiled and said he got it at "the pawn shop."

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There was an odd study in contrasts when quartet Third Day was in the press room discussing its win for contemporary gospel album and Lewis Black was seen and heard (on headphone only, fortunately) accepting his comedy album award on the pre-telecast segment being sent by closed circuit — with a few well-placed expletives.

Black seemed a bit taken aback not just that he won (for "The Carnegie Hall Performance") but also that comedians are honored at all. "You guys do [stuff]," he said, addressing the audience of music professionals. "You play music. I just yak. I wanted to play music. I wanted to play piano, but my piano teacher had arthritis. That really sets you back."

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Young singer-guitarist Jonny Lang was, appropriately, humble about his win for rock or rap gospel album — coming in his first foray into the field after growing up as a blues-rock performer.

"I guess I didn't expect to be nominated in this category," he said. "I don't consider this album to be as much of a gospel record as the others in this category. I'm a little confused about the whole process. I don't know how they pick the nominees. But I was very happy because I was able to share what's in my heart pertaining to me about my relationship with God."

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Tony Bennett, though gracious and elegant as always, had some sharp advice for the contemporary music business:

"I've become a live performer most of the time, and I sing to the audience and that's the best way to learn," he said, celebrating the traditional pop win for his star-studded "Duets: An American Classic," which marked his recent 80th birthday. "Sing to the audience. Listen to the audience. Marketing people have ideas they keep floating, but they're trying to do something contemporary — and then it's gone. When you listen to the audience, they will tell you what they like and that's what's great about it. Giving them what they want. I wish some of the big corporations would be smart enough instead of telling the audience what they want."

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About the number "Coming Home," which he sang on the show, John Legend said, "I was happy to do the song. It shows that a lot of artists care about the soldiers in Iraq and how artists feel about a misguided policy decision that puts their lives at risk."

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Maybe next year there will be a category for best ring tone. Rap solo performance winner T.I. would like that. Discussing the success of "What You Know" and other songs from his album "King," he seemed more focused on the telephonic usage than on CD sales or radio play. "Honestly, you can make more money off of ring tones than off album sales," he said. "Millions."

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Ludacris, whose "Release Therapy" won the Grammy for best rap album, was thrilled. "This is pretty much the best day of my life," he told reporters. "I made it a point when I made this album: 'I want to win a Grammy.' "

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Also elated was Robyn Troup, who got to sing onstage with Justin Timberlake and T.I. after winning the "My Grammy Moment" online contest.

"What happened to me is the most amazing thing that ever happened," said the Houston native. She called it the "greatest experience of my life."

And Sunday was her 19th birthday.

The "My Grammy Moment" contest invited singers from across the country to submit tapes. The videos were posted online, and viewers cast ballots to narrow the list to three finalists. The winner was announced during the ceremony — by Jennifer Hudson, a former "American Idol" contestant who is now an Academy Award nominee for "Dreamgirls."