Nail Trends & Looks at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards

The 54th Annual Grammys that took place this past Sunday, February 12th, began on a sombre note: Whitney Houston, one of the legendary voices of our time, had suddenly passed away, leaving us reeling with sorrow. The awards then took on the air of a celebratory wake, as artists from all genres came together to not only support each other’s accomplishments, but to give us a grand show full of fabulous performances, culminating in a heart-felt tribute sung by Jennifer Hudson. The Grammys were not without their “moments” either, such as Lady Gaga’s no-show on the red carpet (she went straight through to the awards show), Katy Perry’s smurf-blue hair, and Nicki Minaj escorted in on the arm of – a pope? Ok … it is Hollywood, after all!

Whitney Houston 1963 – 2012

a view of the auditorium/tribute to Whitney Houston

As a beauty blogger, my eye is always drawn first and foremost to the red carpet entrance of the stars, particularly their makeup, nails and hair. After countless award shows where celebrities have been playing things safe with regards to their nail looks, I am so pleased to report that we finally got to see some creativity and diversity where their varnish choices were concerned … colour and some unique nail art reigned!

Adele in a custom made Giorgio Armani sequin gown (Louboutin heels)

a closer look at Adele’s Louboutin inspired manicure: silver sequins on top, red on the inside – in homage to her shoes?

Adele’s “Fifi Aurora Boreal” heels by Christian Louboutin and mimicked on her nails

Rihanna in a plunging Giorgio Armani gown (Louboutin heels)

a closer look at RiRi’s “Scarface” inspired dress and “bling” manicure

Gwyneth Paltrow with vibrant red nails and wearing a Stella McCartney gown

Jennifer Hudson paying tribute to the late Whitney Houston in a wig and sleek black gown

Kelly Rowland sporting a “statement mani” and in an Alberta Ferretti blush pink gown

Lady Gaga in a Versace ensemble

a closer look at Gaga’s super-metallic manicure

Jessie J with long tapering nude nails and in a Julian Macdonald silver gown

Fergie with her signature long nude talons and in a Jean-Paul Gaultier Haute Couture spring/summer 2012 orange lace fishtail gown

Paris Hilton with sparkly golden nails and in a Basil Soda white gown

Kate Beckinsale flashing a deep gunmental nail polish and in a Zuhair Murad in an asymmetric mini dress

Katy Perry in an Elie Saab in a sky blue floral appliqué gown

a closer look at Katy’s unique “french” manicure: blue tips & rhinestones

While more subdued nail looks were outnumbered by more vibrant numbers, there were still some requisite “nudies”:

Taylor Swift with blush nude nails and in a Zuhair Murad embroidered gown

Alicia Keys opting for natural looking nails and in an Alexandre Vauthier spring/summer couture 2012 dress

Carrie Underwood with a delicate French tip mani and in a Gomez-Garcia sequin gown (Jimmy Choo heels)

Kelly Obsourne with surprisingly natural looking nail lacquer and in a Tony Ward Asymmetric gown (Giuseppe Zanotti heels)

Final thoughts: It seems like forever since we were treated to so many diverse nail looks by the stars, and I’m glad to see that this was one venue where people felt comfortable enough to indulge in plenty of variety. I love how there wasn’t one overriding nail theme or trend, but more a collection of what we’ve all been playing around with for some time now, and yet it was nice to see how the nails tied in everyone’s look. Of course, nude nails will always be a classic stand-by, but if you can’t have fun at the Grammys, then what’s the point … am I right?!