Beyonce + Prince Wow The Grammys

Pop superstars Beyonce and Prince gave Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson a lesson in how to wow a crowd without getting naked when they opened last night's (08FEB04) Grammy Awards in style.

The stunning pair played a medley of Prince hits, mixed with Beyonce's megahit Crazy In Love to get the 46th annual Grammys off to a flying start.

It was already a great night for Beyonce by the time she took to the stage in a fluffy pink mini-skirt to join a purple-suited Prince and his NEW POWER GENERATION - she'd already won five of the six honours she was nominated for.

Golden girl Beyonce was a winner in the fashion stakes too, arriving at Los Angeles' Staples Center for the ceremony dressed in a stunning gold gown, designed by her mother.

She later changed costume a second time for a mermaid-like sky blue and silver gown for a performance of DANGEROUSLY IN LOVE 2.

The sexy singer admitted the honours were a dream come true.

She said, "I've dreamed of this. This is my first album. It's so amazing. I'm getting so nervous. Performing here with Prince is enough for me."

Other star performances came from Sting, Dave Matthews, Pharrell Williams and Vince Gill, who teamed up to perform THE BEATLES' I SAW HER STANDING THERE; Christina Aguilera, who sang a rousing version of her hit Beautiful on her knees, backed by a gospel choir and full orchestra, and White Stripes.

Meanwhile, a touching tribute to ailing soul crooner Luther Vandross by Alicia Keys and Celine Dion was marred by sound problems.

And actor Samuel L Jackson hosted a 10-minute funk jam featuring a colourful George Clinton, Fire">EARTH, WIND + FIRE, Outkast and ROBERT RANDOLPH + THE FAMILY BAND.