Susan Boyle, in other words.

Or as the comedian Stephen Colbert described her, “a 48-year-old Scottish cat lady with sensible shoes”.

Indeed, even though Lady Gaga dominated the red carpet and Beyonce cleaned up during the event with no fewer than six trophies — a new record for most wins by a female performer — it was SuBo who loomed large over the Grammys, a feat she somehow managed in spite of not showing up (her mega-selling album was released too late for consideration).