Police reunited as Dixie Chicks scoop five Grammies

As Sting called out, "Ladies and gentlemen, we are The Police and we're back!", the organisers of the Grammy awards must have been congratulating themselves that there couldn't have been a better way to kick off Sunday night's festivities. The singer, who was sporting impressive biceps and a cropped hairstyle, then launched into the rock anthem Roxanne with the help of bandmates Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers.

It set the tone for an evening of musical highlights including performances from Justin Timberlake and Beyonce, who won best comtemporary R&B album for B'Day. Eight-times-nominated Mary J Blige who scooped an impressive three awards, also took to the stage to sing her hit Be Without You backed by a full orchestra.

The night's big winners, though, were Texan group The Dixie Chicks who won all five of the awards they were nominated for, including album, song and record of the year. It marked the return of the photogenic trio, who were on the receiving end of a country radio boycott after voicing anti-George Bush comments on the eve of the Iraq war. "I, for the first time in my life, am speechless," quipped lead singer Natalie Maines upon accepting her gong.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers were close behind, with their haul of four gongs including best rock album for Stadium Arcadium. But, despite several nominations, Brits James Blunt and Corinne Bailey Rae went home empty handed. Both lost out in the best new artist category to American Idol winner Carrie Underwood.

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