I think what astonished me more about M.I.A's Grammy performance than her outfit was that she had such a small part to play in her own song. Was she not good enough to perform her own song on her own? Yes, I know the Grammys are big on pairings. So, I'll grant them the desire to do a remix with another performer. But, really, the practically wrote her out. It was her and four men and they held a good 95% of that performance. I think we should all be talking about that and not her crazy fashion choices.

Because it's not her song. "Swagger Like Us" (or is it "Swagga"?) is by Jay-Z, T.I., et al. and only uses a sample from M.I.A.'s song "Paper Planes."

As for her outfit: it was silly, obnoxious, ridiculous, fun, and a non-issue as far as I'm concerned. As long as her naughty bits are covered, who cares?

Girl123 is right. Swagger like Us is was nominated as it's own song. It just sample's part of MIA's song.

The fact that they had MIA perform along with the remix was actually remarkable because she was included at all, not because she was not included enough.

I mean, the song Paper Planes samples the beginning of a Clash song for its beat. No one is pissed that MIA doesn't always perform with remaining members of the Clash (RIP Joe Strummer). Or if they are, well...get over it?

Maybe the OP doesn't understand how remixes work? Having 4 of the biggest MC's currently rapping perform over your beat, and having them invite you to perform along with them instead of just using the sample is badass. Props to J, TI, Weezy, and Kanye for crediting MIA who is an incredible artist.

sidemanelm -- exactly. I was actually surprised (pleasantly, of course) that they included her in the performance. I've liked M.I.A. since Arular a few years back, and I think it's great that more eclectic music is being recognized and appreciated.

I didn't watch the live Grammy broadcast. I viewed the performance later online in which it was described as a remix of M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" (which I'm familiar with and live) and not as a remix of "Swagger Like Us" (which I am unfamiliar with).