Adele walked away the big winner at this year's Grammy Awards.

The British songstress took home trophies for Song of the Year for Rolling in the Deep, Best Pop Solo Performance for Someone Like You, Album Of The Year for 21, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Album.

Adele gave an exhilarating performance of Rolling in the Deep towards the end of the ceremony, stunning audiences with her vocal ability in her first show since her throat surgery late last year.

When the singer walked up to the stage to receive her first award, Adele was quick to acknowledge those who have helped her recuperate.

"I can't believe I'm getting emotional already. My life changed when I wrote this song, and I felt it before anyone even heard it, and seeing as it's a vocal performance, I need to thank my doctors, I suppose, who brought my voice back," Adele said.

Taylor Swift was another big winner this year taking home trophies in the Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance categories for her song Mean.

Performers at the ceremony were eclectic and energetic, with Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, Rihanna and Coldplay and Kelly Clarkson providing electric performances.

Newly divorced Katy Perry debuted her upcoming single Part of Me in Sunday's performance. The song about heartbreak is thought to be dedicated to her ex-husband Russell Brand.

The night was also ensconced in tribute to two late iconic R&B legends. This year's host LL Cool J began the night with a prayer in honour of the recently deceased Whitney Houston. Jennifer Hudson sang I Will Always Love You in tribute to Whitney. Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt also paid tribute to Etta James, who passed last month.

2012 54th Annual Grammy Award winners:

Best Country Album: Own The Night Lady Antebellum

Song Of The Year: Rolling In The Deep Adele Adkins & Paul Epworth, songwriters

Best R&B Album: F.A.M.E. Chris Brown

Best Rock Performance: Walk Foo Fighters

Best Rap Performance: Otis Jay-Z & Kanye West

Best Pop Solo Performance: Someone Like You Adele

Album Of The Year: 21 Adele

Record Of The Year: Rolling In The Deep Adele

Best New Artist: Bon Iver

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Body And Soul Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse

Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance: White Limo Foo Fighters

Best Rock Album: Wasting Light Foo Fighters

Best Alternative Music Album: Bon Iver Bon Iver

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: All Of The Lights Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi & Fergie

Best Country Solo Performance: Mean Taylor Swift

Best Country Song: Mean Taylor Swift

Best Americana Album: Ramble At The Ryman Levon Helm

Best Blues Album: Revelator Tedeschi Trucks Band

Best Folk Album: Barton Hollow The Civil Wars

Best Rock Song: Walk Foo Fighters

Producer Of The Year, Non Classical: Paul Epworth

Best Traditional R&B Performance: Fool For You Cee Lo Green & Melanie Fiona

Best Pop Instrumental Album: The Road From Memphis Booker T. Jones

Best Pop Vocal Album: 21 Adele

Best Dance/Electronica Album: Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites Skrillex

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Duets II Tony Bennett & Various Artists

Best R&B Performance: Is This Love Corinne Bailey Rae

Best Dance Recording: Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites Skrillex