What is Yayo?: During his blast of “Lose Yourself” with the Roots, Eminem wore a T-shirt urging the world to “Free Yayo.”
Yayo is a slang term for cocaine, but in this case, Yayo refers to Tony Yayo, a.k.a. Jean Bernard, a jailed member of 50 Cent’s G Unit crew. He was arrested in December in New York on weapons charges and is being held in a prison because of an outstanding warrant.
Pop tart not: When asked about how she felt about taking the Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Norah Jones, replied, “It’s insane,” because she studied her entire life to be a jazz singer. “There’s nothing wrong with pop tarts, as long as there is a healthy balance,” she tactfully added. And she wasn’t talking about breakfast.
What’s next for No Doubt?: Gwen Stefani and company have been at it for 16 years and plan to take a break. “We’re all in our 30s,” she explained. Maybe the real reason is her hubby – Bush’s Gavin Rossdale. Asked how her marriage was going, she exclaimed, “hot” and gave a big thumbs up.
St. Elmo’s ire: Queens crooner Tony Bennett bears a grudge against the Muppet who beat him out of a Grammy in 1998. “I’m still mad at Elmo,” he hissed backstage Sunday night. If not for “Elmopalooza!” Bennett would have won all 13 of the Grammys he has been nominated for. As of Sunday night, he’ll have to make do with 12.
No War: Grammy-winner Sheryl Crow said she was pressured not to express anti-war sentiments, beyond her “No War” guitar strap and peace-sign necklace. “I didn’t feel like picking that bone tonight,” she said. Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst, meanwhile, said he was disappointed in the lack of protest, while others noted his lack of grammar: “I really hope we are in agreeance that this war should go away as soon as possible,” he said on stage.