Grammy Awards

TMZ just received the following statement from The Recording Academy -- the people behind The Grammys:

"Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent and vision as Michael Jackson.

He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility and sheer star power carried him from childhood to worldwide claim.

A 13-time Grammy recipient, Michael's career transcends musical and cultural genres, and his contributions will always keep him in our hearts and memories.

We are deeply saddened by this tragic news, and our hearts go out to his family and to music lovers around the globe who mourn this great loss."

RiRi is asking the cops to hand back a pair of earrings and three rings the cops logged as evidence on the night in question. And get this -- the jewelry isn't even hers. According to docs, the bling belonged to four companies which loaned it to her for the pre-Grammy party she attended with Brown that night.

Rihanna's attorney, Donald Etra, claims he asked for the jewelry back earlier this month and submitted written requests on April 7 and April 17. Etra also claims that Brown's attorney, Mark Geragos, has no problem with the jewelry being released.

The earrings are described as yellow metal hoop earrings with white stones. The first ring is a yellow metal ring with white stones and green stones. The second and third rings are described as being yellow metal rings with white stones.

Brown faces a felony assault charge and a charge of making criminal threats.

Here's the 34-year-old multiple Grammy winner back in 1992 (left) -- and 17-years-later, the 51-year-old version in Palm Beach on Thursday (right).

Come on, shake your body baby, do the conga!

On the food chain of death, the late saxophonist LeRoi Moore of the Dave Matthews Band is kinda like plankton, according to The Recording Academy.

The Academy is finally saying why LeRoi didn't make the cut in its "Encore" segment of the Grammy show:

"Nearly 250 members of our music community have passed in the last year, and all of them have been listed in the program book for the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards, including LeRoi Moore. For the "Encore" segment of our annual GRAMMY Awards telecast, unfortunately we are unable to include all of the talented and wonderful people within the allotted timeframe. The Academy recognizes Moore's contributions to music and music education, and we are deeply saddened by his premature passing."

They're tellin' the story. You buyin' it?

This video was taken Friday during his Grammy rehearsal for "Forever," the song he was slated to perform.

One of the law enforcement people put it this way -- the contusions "look like an MMA fighter or something ... [It] looked like she was growing devil's horns."

We've also heard that Rihanna may have suffered bite wounds on one of her legs and arms, however, one source close to the situation tells us he doubts that is the case.

Chris Brown has been booked on a felony criminal threats charge. If the D.A. files the case, domestic violence charges could be added.

Law enforcement sources tell us even though the police report in the Chris Brown arrest refers to assault with a deadly weapon, there was no weapon involved in the alleged attack.

The police report cites Penal Code Section 245 -- Assault with a Deadly Weapon. However, we're told there was no weapon involved.

We had been hearing there was an umbrella in the car -- which would have been the most ironic thing ever -- but again... no weapon is alleged. By the way, a persons foot or other body part can be considered a deadly weapon depending on the circumstances.

One law enforcement source who has been dead-on so far claims Rihanna suffered contusions and bite marks.

TMZ has confirmed Rihanna is the named alleged victim in the Chris Brown case and the allegation is that she was assaulted with a deadly weapon.

Law enforcement sources tell us the crime report calls the incident assault with a deadly weapon -- we do not yet know the nature of the weapon.

The crime report gives the victim's name as Robyn Fenty -- that's Rihanna's real name.

So why, you ask, was Chris Brown booked for making criminal threats rather than domestic abuse, given the victim -- we're told Rihanna -- had "visible injuries"?

Law enforcement sources tell us they typically book a suspect for the most serious crime they can be charged with -- it's then up to the D.A. to file any additional charges.

Given there were allegedly visible injuries, the crime of making criminal threats is punishable by up to nine years in prison. Domestic abuse is four years.

Brown turned himself around 7:00 PM last night and was released shortly after on $50,000 bail. The vehicle is currently sitting in an impound lot.

Hours before he was arrested for making criminal threats, Chris Brown attended Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party with a smiling, unblemished Rihanna.

Brown has been charged with one count felony criminal threats. His bail has been set at $50,000. He is still being investigated for a possible battery.

Geragos' past clients include Michael Jackson, Winona Ryder and Scott Peterson.

UPDATE 11:42 PM EST: TMZ has learned Chris paid his bail and was released.