The Grammy Awards [ tickets ] were ready to make nice with the Dixie Chicks [ tickets ] as the influential music organization awarded the controversial trio awards in all five categories for which it was nominated.

Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Robison won the Song of the Year for "Not Ready to Make Nice," a prize they shared with co-writer Dan Wilson, former frontman of Semisonic and Trip Shakespeare.

"I, for the first time in my life, am speechless," said Maines, who generated controversy during a 2003 UK concert by telling the audience that she was ashamed George W. Bush was from her home state of Texas. ""Thank you Rick [Rubin, producer] and Martie and Emily for sticking by me. I told you I'd take you to the Grammys. Stick with me. Thank you everyone. We are very, very appreciative and honored."

A smiling Wilson was visibly excited to have won a Grammy. "I'm so proud to be part of this album. Thank you Dixie Chicks for making me part of this music that I love so much."

The Chicks also won Best Country Album for "Taking the Long Way," Record of the Year, Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Album of the Year.

"That's interesting," said Maines when she returned to the podium to accept the Best Country Album trophy. "To quote the great 'Simpsons,' 'Ha ha!' A lot of people just shut their TVs off right now. I'm very sorry about that."

A complete list of winners from the 48th Annual Grammy Awards is available here.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers [ tickets ] won four Grammys: Best Rock Song, Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal (both for "Dani California"), Best Rock Album and Best Limited Edition Package for "Stadium Arcadium." A tearful Mary J. Blige [ tickets ] won three: Best Female R&B Performance, Best R&B Song and Best R&B Album. (Two winners came together as the Chili Peppers' Chad Smith played drums for the Dixie Chicks during their performance of "Not Ready to Make Nice.")

"This is the first time I've ever been up here to receive anything and I thank you so much," Blige said when accepting the Best R&B Album. "I just want to thank God for this album and for the award. It has not only shown that I am a musician and an artist and a writer; it also shows I am growing into a better human being. Tonight, we celebrate the better human being because for so many years, I've been talked about negatively. But this time I've been talked about positively by so many people."

Double winners included John Mayer [ tickets ], who took home the Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album ("Continuum") prizes; Gnarls Barkley, who won Best Urban/Alternative Performance and Alternative Music Album; and T.I.

The telecast began with Sting exuding, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are the Police and we're back," as the band kicked into "Roxanne." Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder won the first award of the night, Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals, edging out songs by the likes of Nelly Furtado and Timbaland, and Mary J. Blige and U2.

"This is an amazing moment for me," Wonder said tearfully during his acceptance speech. "It's amazing to know I did this song at the age of 17 a whole 'nother way and to come back and do it with the great Tony Bennett. "I had to tell you all this is a sweet/bittersweet moment. It's in memory of my mother."

Ludacris gave a shout out to Oprah Winfrey, who reportedly refuses to have the rapper on her show, and Fox News commentator Bill O'Reilly, with whom he's had a public feud, during his acceptance speech for Best Rap Album.

Carrie Underwood won Best New Artist. "This is absolutely unbelievable," She said while accepting her award. "I love country music."

In addition to The Police, performers included Underwood and Rascal Flatts paying tribute to The Eagles; Beyonce (introduced by Prince); Corinne Bailey Rae, John Legend and Mayer; Blige; and Timberlake, who performed a soulful rendition of "What Comes Around."