Read more: Lady Gaga to wear new Irish designer’s work at Grammys?

The eccentric singer - who was carried down the prestigious event's red carpet in a giant egg, before 'hatching' out of it ahead of a performance of her new song 'Born This Way' - took home three prizes, including Best Pop Vocal Album for 'The Fame Monster', and while accepting her award she paid tribute to Whitney Houston.

Gaga - who also won the awards for Best Short-Form Video and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for single 'Bad Romance' - said: "I wanted to thank Whitney, because when I wrote 'Born this Way', I imagined she was singing it - because I wasn't secure enough in myself to imagine I was a superstar.
"So, Whitney, I imagined you were singing born this way when I wrote it."

While Gaga picked up three awards Lady Antebellum took home five prizes including Song of the Year and Record of the Year for their hit 'Need You Now'.

The show - which was held at Los Angeles' Staples center - began with a tribute to Aretha Franklin, which was performed by Christina Aguilera, Florence Welch, Jennifer Hudson, Martina McBride and Yolanda Adams.

Aretha - who is suffering from pancreatic cancer - appeared via video link to thank the singers for their performance.

The 68-year-old singer said: "I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be with you this evening. Thank you to all of you who took the time to send me get well cards and flowers, beautiful flowers, and most importantly, your prayers."

Other notable performances included Gwyneth Paltrow joining Cee Lo Green and Jim Henson's puppets to perform his hit single 'F**k You', while Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger was given a standing ovation for his debut Grammy performance, delivering a rendition of 'Everybody Needs Somebody To Love' in tribute to Solomon Burke, who died last year.

Other winners included Jay-Z - who picked up two trophies for Empire State of Mind, his duet with Alicia Keys - Eminem, Arcade Fire and John Legend.

While he was expected to win, Justin Bieber was beaten by jazz artist Esperanza Spalding in the Best New Artist category, although the 16-year-old star was joined by Usher and Jaden Smith during his performance at the ceremony.
 
Full List of winners at the 2011 Grammy Awards:
 
Album of the Year:
Arcade Fire - 'The Suburbs'
Record of the Year:
Lady Antebellum - 'Need You Now'
Best New Artist:
Esperanza Spalding
Song of the Year:
Lady Antebellum - 'Need You Now'
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance:
'Bad Romance' - Lady Gaga
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance:
'Just The Way You Are' - Bruno Mars
Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals:
Train - 'Hey, Soul Sister' (Live)
Best Pop Vocal Album:
'The Fame Monster' - Lady Gaga
Best Hard Rock Performance
Them Crooked Vultures - 'New Fang'
Best Rock Song:
Neil Young - 'Angry World'
Best Rock Album:
'The Resistance' - Muse
Best Alternative Music Album:
The Black Keys - 'Brothers'
Best R&B Album:
'Wake Up!' - John Legend and the Roots
Best Contemporary R&B Album:
Usher - 'Raymond v. Raymond'
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration:
Jay-Z and Alicia Keys - 'Empire State of Mind'
Best Rap Song:
Jay-Z and Alicia Keys - 'Empire State of Mind'
Best Rap Album:
Eminem - 'Recovery'
Best Country Song:
Lady Antebellum - 'Need You Now'
Best Country Album:
Lady Antebellum - 'Need You Now'
Best Female Country Vocal Performance:
'The House That Built Me' - Miranda Lambert
Best Male Country Vocal Performance:
'Til Summer Comes Around' - Keith Urban

Read more: Lady Gaga to wear new Irish designer’s work at Grammys?