Continued from page 2

Norah Comes Away with Grammy Sweep

By Stephen M. Silverman

Sunday February 23, 2003 01:00 PM EST

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10:15 p.m.: Chicks in Charge at the Grammys

The women kicked off the Grammys' second hour -- and it proved a Chick's delight.

Queen Latifah, in a shocking pink leather top, introduced the Dixie Chicks, who performed "Landslide" from their album "Home," which was then named best country album.

In their acceptance, Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines (who produced the album with her father, Lloyd Maines) and sisters Emily Robison (on banjo) and Martie Maguire (on fiddle) thanked Sony Records and said they were happy they kissed and made up with the label after last year's legal battle over royalties.

The Chicks' victory for "Home" -- their third victory of the night -- also left these artists and their albums in the dust: Alan Jackson ("Drive"); Willie Nelson ("The Great Divide"); Joe Nichols ("Man with a Memory"); and Dolly Parton ("Halos & Horns").

As the show progressed, John Leguizamo stepped out to introduce the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, which played a selection from "West Side Story," whose composer, the late Leonard Bernstein, was honored with a posthumous lifetime achievement award.

Leguizamo then turned the stage over to Chris Martin and Coldplay, to perform "Politik," from their Grammy-winning best alternative music album, "A Rush of Blood to the Head."

Continuing with the hour's women's movement, Harvey Fierstein, of the Broadway show "Hairspray," came out in full drag, escorted by Rod Stewart, who was holding a puppy, who licked Fierstein's face.

"He kisses just like you," Fierstein told Stewart.

The two presented the best comedy album to Robin Williams, for his "Robin Williams Live 2002."

Williams hopped to the stage and delivered his usual schtick, which missed more often than it hit. Sample: "It's an honor to get this award in Michael Jackson's living room." Similarly, the Yiddishisms in his acceptance speech fell on mostly deaf ears.

Busta Rhymes and Jamie-Lynn Sigler then introduced Avril Lavigne, as the five-time nominee ditched her usual long necktie for a bowtie as she performed "Sk8ter Boi."

It was a good hour for the women.