Ah, the Grammys. No other awards show serves up such interesting fashion statements and over-the-top live performances (remember when Ricky Martin's rendition of "The Cup of Life" launched him into the pop culture stratosphere in 1999?). Keep hitting refresh as CultureMap's Sarah Rufca and Caroline Gallay weigh in on the sights and sounds of music's biggest night. Follow along,

Sarah: First vixen of the night: Glee's Lea Michele in a short, black one-shoulder number with a frilly, feather-esque skirt. They must really frump her up to play the choir geek, because sister looks smokin'.

Sarah: Really, Ryan Seacrest? You cut Kathy Griffin short for the Pants on the Ground guy? She's nominated and she's funny on purpose. Pants on the Ground needs to go away, like, now. If it's nominated for a Grammy next year I will lose it.

Sarah: It must be frustrating for limelight-seeking men trying to stand out on the red carpet without looking like fools. Common should teach a class on how to accomplish this. I love his subtle grey plaid suit with the deep red polka dot piece just peeking out. Not everyone can mix patterns and look so dapper and yet cool at the same time.

Sarah: Kathy Griffin is back, and says her gold sequin-bedecked dress by Carolina Herrera was bought at a sample sale. Stars: they're just like us! I can't really see the whole gown (where's the 360 glam cam when you need it?) but it looks nice and age-appropriate. I love that she credits her body to "deprivation and starvation."

Sarah: Dear Ricky Martin: your leather jacket is TOO TIGHT. And now you are talking about Haiti so I feel bad about criticizing your fashion. I'll call it a draw.

Sarah: GaGa sighting! She looks like those modern, white, spiral Christmas tree lawn ornaments. The hair is down and flowing an a Stefani-esque progression from white to bright yellow. Her skirt is bent to fall so high in the front I'm pretty sure everyone can see London AND France.

Sarah: Just realized the Lady GaGa skirt is probably in homage to her earlier pants-less days. And while I stand by my lawn-ornament assessment, I will say she looks like a completely fabulous, fantastic Christmas lawn ornament.

Sarah: Love that Justin Bieber doesn't break from playing guitar hero to talk to Ryan Seacrest. Also Seacrest is so short that the barely-pubescent Bieber is almost as tall as he is.

Sarah 5:52: According to Stephen Colbert, "For Lady GaGa's second outfit tonight they are just going to spray her down with glue and run her through a Build-A-Bear work shop." I can't compete with that.

Sarah 5:56: Russell Brand: "It is not a good idea to be on the back of an elephant during a fireworks display." That's just a good life lesson. I love the colorful elephant clutch, but I am not digging anything about Katy Perry's gold/beige Zac Posen bodyhugger.

Sarah 6:10: I know Travis Barker almost died last year in a plane crash, but it is never OK to wear a wifebeater on a red carpet.

Caroline 6:11: Whereas Giuliana Rancic used to really grate my nerves as a red carpet host, watching a few episodes of Giuliana & Bill has endeared her inexplicably to me,. Though I want to offer her a cheeseburger.

Caroline 615: Jennifer Hudson's rack by itself gets a two on the Richter scale, they are so out there. I'm into it.

Sarah 6:22: Pink and her husband Carey are so cute together! So glad they are working it out. The dress looks a little overwrought but it works for her.

Caroline 6:25: Mary J Blige looks hot! Hot pink is her color. How old is she now? She's been around forever...

Sarah 6:27: Weird that Wyclef isn't wearing a Haiti pin like everyone had at the Golden Globes. Actually weird that no one seems to be wearing them tonight. Are rock stars less altruistic than movie stars?

Caroline 6:28: Miley Cyrus looks WAY too old for her age. For once it's not the outfit that's not age-appropriate, that heavy maekup adds ten years and she looks like she has Vaseline on her teeth.

Caroline 6:30: SO glad Nicole Kidman is a redhead again.

Sarah 6:31: Not digging Taylor Swift's 80s Barbie dress. Plus I am not clear on the laws of physics that are keeping her dress up. We say there;s at least a 65% chance that her onstage "special guest" is John Mayer, who we keep hearing she's dating.

Caroline 6:34: I would like Beyoncé's dress better without sleeves. Sarah would like it better in a deep purple.

Caroline 6:36: I think Jay Manuel and Pink have the same haircut.

Sarah 6:44: Ciara looks like an evil empress in a sci-fi movie. It's the fug of the night, thus far.

Sarah 6:46: How many times can E! play that Ke$ha song before I throw something at the television?

Caroline 6:53: Ashanti's dress is just perfect. I love detailing and anything shiny.

Sarah 6:57: Rihanna is channeling Queen Victoria, and not in a good way.

Ok...the show is on! Follow us to the next liveblog....