The LA Times grading on the American Music Awards performers

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Matt Sayles

Rihanna and Whitney Houston earned the top grades both receiving an A- for their performances from         LA Times writer Todd Martens.  Martens wrote that Rihanna's performance “sounded sharp, metallic and  that she owned the songs. The night's best performance thus far.”  Martens also stated that Houston's vocals, or instrument as he called it ,wasn't what it once was, but  it could still silence a room.

The worst grades went to Daughtry, Alicia Keys and Jay-Z, and Alex Rodriguez who got an F for poor etiquette because he was chewing gum while presenting- it was tacky?  Martens also related Rodriguez's on stage etiquette to his off the field professionalism, so maybe his grading was a little personal?  Daughtry's performance was described as a D performance and

“Boom! Nothing ignites the excitement of a three-hour award show like a mid-tempo rock ballad from heartland rockers Daughtry. "No, there's no life after you," leader Chris Daughtry sings through gritted teeth, trying to muster some importance out of these tepid lyrics and lightly strummed electric guitars. This type of song is typically saved for the moments during an arena show when a band says, "This one is for the ladies," and everyone goes and buys a hot dog.” That's pretty harsh!

As for Alicia Keys and Jay-Z, song “Empire State of Mind” Martens stated that “We're tired of it. No more songs about cities” graded it a D. Maybe Martens should read “Jay-Z's 'Empire' Rules Hot 100” dated November 19, 2009 before grading these performances.