If you didn’t watch the Grammys last night, you missed a lot of performances, but — surprisingly — not a whole lot of awards. Even though the Grammys are supposed to be an award show, the program was more about throwing random artists together for collaborations, finding ways for Nicki Minaj to “out-Gaga” Gaga and honoring the fabulous Whitney Houston. When they actually presented someone with an award it was kind of confusing.

One of the first honors given out was for Best Rap Performance, which Kanye West and Jay-Z won for their song “Otis.” But neither of them were there to accept the little golden statue. Excuse me, what?! Ok, Jay-Z did just have a baby. And if I had a baby this adorable and a wife that beautiful I would probably skip out on the Grammys, too.

But where was Kanye?! He was actually nominated for two different albums – his solo project, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and Watch the Throne, his collaboration with Jay-Z. All said, he won four awards last night, bringing his career Grammy total to 18. 18! We would think Kanye would want to be there to rub that in everyone’s face. So where was the elusive Mr. West? Naturally, we have a few highly-probable theories on the matter.

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Garnet is a student at Columbia University in New York City. She is “that person” who starts dancing at a party when everyone else is standing around, and if there were a Facebook stalking Olympics, she would be a gold medalist. She also loves cheesy 90s music, and almost died of happiness when Vanilla Ice retweeted her. Once. Follow her on Twitter @garnethenderson.

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It was released that Whitney Houston passed away today, and I literally don’t know what to do with myself right now. Is this real life? There’s not much info out right now about what exactly happened to the 48 year-old music legend. Though it’s widely known that for Houston battled with drug and alcohol addiction, I don’t even want to think that either of those things lead to her death.

Instead, let’s remember all the times we’ve sung into our hairbrushes to “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and all the girls’ nights spent watching The Bodyguard. RIP Whitney, we will totes always love you.

1. Find your talent and own it. 
Everyone has a talent. Whether it’s singing, dancing, writing, being a leader, giving great advice, etc. Everyone has at least one thing that they excel at. Once you find it, hone it. Dedicate a significant amount of your time to improving it. Take pride in it. Make it a part of your identity.

2. Don’t be afraid to get a little cocky.
Arrogance is generally not lauded in our society, but sometimes mere confidence is not enough. Whether you’re interviewing for a job, or making the best impression you can to your professors, the ability to effectively sell yourself relies on having (or at least projecting) high self esteem. That doesn’t mean you need to make every interaction with someone all about how fabulous you are, but when the opportunity arises, don’t be afraid to toot your own horn.

3. Stand up for yourself.
In life, we encounter people who don’t appreciate us. Who treat us with a complete and utter lack of respect. Who take advantage of us. Or who merely lack basic etiquette. While “rising above it” is a perfectly valid option, I am also a strong proponent of letting people know  when they’re being inappropriate. Whether it’s something as simple as an “Excuse me?” when someone plays cutsies in the soft-serve ice cream line or whether it means calling out that moocher who is always asking for your notes, or whether it’s asking your internship supervisor for more responsibility besides fulfilling Starbucks orders. Having your own best interests at heart is a crucial life skill.

4. Develop a signature style.
How you present yourself to the world aesthetically is important. Whether you prefer preppy, classic, trendy, edgy, bohemian, or mens’ inspired clothing (or a fierce combination of any/all of the above), create a personal style that you feel comfortable and attractive in, one that reflects your personality. Being stylish doesn’t mean being cookie-cutter or fitting into conventional beauty standards (sup, Lady Gaga). But people are visual, and part of leaving a stronpositive impression is presenting yourself to the world in the best light.

5. Surround yourself with good people.
No one can succeed alone. We all need friends and a mentor. Friends for support, for company when you want to binge eat ice cream and watch Love Actually over and over again. People who celebrate your successes with you, but aren’t afraid to keep you in check when you’re making poor decisions (like that 8th tequila shot or the guy with the girlfriend).  Everyone also needs to have that older, wiser, experienced figure to go to in life for advice, perspective and guidance. Stay away from people who are manipulative, self-destructive or otherwise toxic. If you find yourself more concerned about your backstabbing frenemy or your loser boyfriend than you are about the people who are there for you, re-evaluate your relationships, because you are probably wasting time on people who are unworthy.

6. Be informed.

Ignorance is not attractive. We live in such a plugged-in world that there is no reason why you shouldn’t be up to date on the latest current events. Instead of playing that game of Fruit Ninja, cruise over to CNN (or CollegeCandy) to check out the latest headlines. There are few things more awkward than trying to talk to someone about the debt ceiling or the latest natural disaster and being met with a blank, clueless stare. Intelligence and the ability to look outside of your own bubble are so very necessary.

7. Love thyself.
The greatest love affair you’ll ever have is the one you start with yourself. At the end of the day, you can’t depend on validation from anyone else but you. So look at the life you’re leading, at the choices you’re making, at the person you’re becoming. Are you happy? Are you proud? If not, think about the things you feel you need to work on, and make improving yourself a priority. No one is perfect. No one can ever be perfect. But we can all make better versions of ourselves, and that’s what a diva is all about – being the best person she can be, for both herself and for the world.

Check out some of our favorite divas ever right here:

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Miley is NO Celine Dion.

When I think of divas, my mind automatically goes to artists such as Mariah Carey, Celine Dion or Whitney Houston. But VH1 has other plans for this year’s Divas show, premiering live tomorrow night. Kelly Clarkson, Adele, Leona Lewis, Jordin Sparks, Jennifer Hudson and Miley Cyrus will be the headlining performers this year.

Now, I love Miley. “Party in the USA” has become my new anthem. But would I qualify her as a diva? I don’t think so. I don’t think she’s been alive long enough. And to have her share the same stage as Cyndi Lauper and Sheryl Crow, who will be special guests at this year’s show, well it seems almost disrespectful.

This is definitely the youngest set of pop-stars VH1 has grabbed yet. Many only have two or three hit songs. Perhaps they should rename the show “Divas in the Making” or “Not a Girl, Not Yet a Diva.” VH1 is presenting us with greatness in the making, with host Paula Abdul picking up where they are lacking in divaliciousness.

I won’t disagree that these young girls are hugely talented, but I think their addition to the show is a bit premature. While the majority of them are American Idols, I don’t think they are ready to make the crossover to American Divas just yet.

So now I have to ask… Will the real Diva please stand up?

She was using coke, not crack, OK?

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Things are getting worse for Jessica Simpson.

Naked man saves the day!

Are the Jackson’s profiting off of Michael’s death?

My sister is getting married and I’ve had weddings on the brain, so this week I’m dedicating this review to her and doin’ the something old, something new, and something blue routine. It doesn’t just apply to brides, you know. I didn’t borrow any of my music this week (I’m not good at giving back), so I had to leave that one out.

Anyways, obviously Whitney Houston is the something old. I’m not saying the woman is old (hell, she looks good for her age!), but she has been around the block a few times. These United States are my something new, and I couldn’t be more excited about that. And the Drive-By Truckers are my something blue, since I love them to death, but listening to their album made me feel a little bit blue.

And I guess all of that means I’ll one day be marrying music.
Considering the guys I’ve dated in the past, that is fine by me:

Whitney Houston- I Look to You

Oh hey, Whitney Houston. You’re back. Have I mentioned I’m excited? Like, jump out of my pants and do a little dance around my bedroom, excited? Well, I was. And I have to admit that you let me down just a little bit. I don’t really know why I expected you to be the exact woman you were before, but what happened to those vocal cords? OK, so maybe I’m being a little bit dramatic, but I really do miss hearing Whitney’s true crooning. I always said if I were to audition for American Idol, I would sing “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” to which my friends and family burst out laughing. Because I would definitely make the show…the horrible audition part of the show.

Nope, I’m just not a fabulous singer. But I do think I could actually sing some of Whitney’s new stuff from I Look to You, because her voice just isn’t getting up there. So many of the songs on her new album play off of Whitney’s horrible marriage (to the awful Bobby Brown), which I think is a good thing. Pain brings awesome music. And Whitney’s lyrics are as powerful as ever, especially in songs like “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.” But I want her to start screaming and showing her real power. I am a big fan of the first song on the album, “Million Dollar Bill” because it reminds me a bit of the old Whitney (the song sounds totally 80s-ish) and her voice actually gets up there a bit. And it’s fun. I really do like the title track, but again, it leaves something lacking. Whitney also duets with Akon on an interesting track. It’s cute, but probably won’t become a hit, like most Akon collaborations do. Sadness. I guess love lets you down sometimes.

These United States- Everything Touches Everything

I had heard of These United States before this week, but I knew absolutely nothing about them and had never heard a lick of their music. I had no clue what they would sound like when I was getting ready to listen to Everything Touches Everything. But you know what? I enjoy them immensely. They’re really hard to describe, but it’s basically pretty mellow music with great lyrics and the occasional dance-ability. One of my very favorite songs on the album is “Secret Door.” While it’s a pretty mellow song, the lyrics are absolutely outstanding and definitely prove to me what amazing songwriters These Unite States are. “I am going to start the morning out/Throwing out the day before/I am going to let the morning in/The whole thing pouring in/And what is more…I am the captain of this ship/For what it was/And what it is and what it shackles/Or it leaves behind that shore/I am my executioner/But death is not the final word/And my life is not some secret door…I will push you if you push me.”

Another one of my faves is “Will It Ever” because of its sorta country vibe. And “Conquests and Consequences” is such a different sound, I find myself listening to it over and over. Every once in a while I’m surprised by a band I never really knew existed and this time it’s These United States. Now I have a feeling I’ll have a hard time remembering when they weren’t a part of my life! But then again, maybe I’m just in the honeymoon faze.

Drive-By Truckers- The Fine Print: A Collection of Oddities and Rarities

I consider the Drive-By Truckers to be one of my all time favorite bands. As in, they are majorly awesome. I have about a million of their songs on constant rotation on my iPod, but it never seems to be enough. So, although, I’d absolutely love for them to come out with something really brand new, I take what I can get. And that’s The Fine Print: A Collection of Oddities and Rarities. It’s basically all their previously recorded material that they ended up not using. You might think this wouldn’t be as good as their published music, but when you look at DBT’s albums, you see how much of a storyline they have and why there might be some actually really good stuff that just wasn’t able to be included.

The album starts off  with “George Jones Talkin’ Cell Phone Blues” and just exemplifies what the Drive-By Truckers are to me. It has a little bit of modern behavior mixed with some old school dirty South. Right away I can see why they didn’t want these perfectly amazing songs to go to waste. I have to say I was way overly psyched to hear Jason Isbell on this album (I still haven’t gotten over him leaving the band) and am now pretty obsessed with “When the Well Runs Dry.” And “TVA” too. These are definitely my favorite tracks on the album, because they sound amazing, yes, but also probably because I’m feeling a bit of nostalgia too. But now I think I’ve relapsed into my Jason Isbell pain, which probably isn’t very healthy.

I, for one, am thoroughly sad to hear that the web is abuzz with rumors that Paula Abdul might be abdicating her judge-ship on American Idol. She’s my second fav of the 4 AI judges (I mean, honestly, no one beats Simon: that smile, that accent, his badass, smart-alleck wit…swoon; Randy I stop listening to after the first “dawg” leaves his mouth; and I haven’t completely warmed up to Kara, yet, though the girl can sing).

Ms. Abdul was always amidst controversy during her stint on the AI show, from Cory what’s-his-face who swore he did the “straight up” with Paula, to lingering questions as to whether or not her Coke might be mingling with some Captain in that bright red cup. Regardless, I don’t see how the show could be nearly as entertaining that mumbo jumbo that comes out of Paula’s mouth (“You’re so pretty!”) and her weird clap (seriously, what is with that?.

Let’s face it, guys: we need a little crazy dancing around while the contestants sing. But the crazy has, allegedly, left the building. So who can we get to take her place?

1) Whitney Houston (think Whitney with Bobby, not normal, awesome Whitney):

Aside from the fact that she is a LEGEND diva, cracked-out Whitney would be outstandingly funny to watch, be it her arguing with Simon or joining in with Randy in the dog pound. And if she dueted with Kara, forget it! Plus, people are constantly trying to sing her songs, so maybe it’s time they were judged by the queen herself.

2) Amy Winehouse:

She knows how to sing (well,) she’s totally unpredictable, and just think of the goodness that will come from her whipping a flask out of that beehive and throwing it back while the worst of the worst singers perform.

3) Cyndi Lauper:

Another 80′s supastaaaarrrr to rival Paula’s fame. Cyndi’s quirky, upbeat, bad ass attitude may not lead to her dancing during contestant’s solos, but I can definitely see some tension brewing between her (and her cartoonish voice) and Simon Cowell. It would be delicious.

4) Kelly Bensimon:

There are only two people who leave me scratching my head in confusion every time they talk. One just decided to leave American Idol and the other is Real Housewife of NY, Kelly Bensimon. Just think of the ridiculous nuggets of wisdom that would come from this woman’s mouth (“You are like fertilizer and you are smearing it around and growing…”). If you close your eyes, you might not even realize Paula is gone.

5) Heidi Montag:

Aside from Heidi’s INFINITE wisdom of the music world, she would merely be a good ploy for ratings. Lord knows people to tune in to hear what “sage advice” Mrs. Spencer Pratt could possibly bestow upon this year’s American Idol. My guess? It would involve plastic surgery, a boom box on the beach and Jesus. Lots of Jesus.

MMM! A diet you can live with…

Sarah Palin in Eff-Me boots! Never thought I’d see the day…

Candy kisses for Valentine’s Day!

These peeps went all out for Superbowl!

Awesome give-away for us single girls…

Glam up your make-up!

Emma Watson looking like a vamp!! Verrry sexy!

Clutches these days hold EVERYTHING!

Lily Allen! What were you thinking?!

True Life: I’m a Porn Addict? What?!

1. Right now it’s all about Britney’s comeback, but after spending my Friday night in a bowling alley with a bar and massive music videos playing that made me think it was 1999, I started to wish the comeback was for someone else: our dear friend, Whitney. As in Houston. As in “It’s not right, but it’s okay,” and all the other amaaazingness that she brought before she went all drug bust on us. So, as Whit once said, Greatest Hits CD, “I will always love you.”

2. While doing some research on great gift idea websites, my BFF Google suggested a site called kaboodle, which reminded me of Caboodles. Which made me get all nostalic, and there is nothing I love more than nostalgia. So my curiousity was piqued and as it turns out- Caboodles? Still in business (and still an awesome gift for your nostalgic friends). I think I still have my turquoise, pink and purple one from the 80′s – nothing better than lifting up that clip and opening the top layer just to find more sparkley blue eye shadow beneath it!

3. Ok, enough missing my middle school days. Right now I heart these scarves. They spruce up an outfit, hide the cleaveange in front of your grandma, and make you look effortlessly coooool.

4. Keurig Individual Coffee Maker: When you live alone making a whole pot of coffee just seems useless. This may just be the best invention ever. So many flavors, brews super fast (when you wake up late for class), and makes that perfect cup for late night studying and hangover cures alike.

5. Ojon ‘Rub Out’ Dry Cleanser. For days when you oversleep but realllly shouldn’t have because your hair looks like Danny’s from Grease (or just actual grease?). Fear no more. This stuff does the trick when you need to stretch it out for one more day and it smells good. Not like grease at all; more like heaven. Now that is (Summer) lovin’.