As expected, Kanye West -- with the word "Mama" shaved in the back of his head -- took the stage at the 2008 Grammy Awards and paid tribute to his late mother, Donda West, with a rendition of his hit 'Stronger' and an emotional performance of 'Hey Mama' off 2006's 'Late Registration.'

West's third album 'Graduation' went on to win the Grammy for Best Rap Album, beating out Common's 'Finding Forever,' T.I.'s 'T.I. vs T.I.P.,' Nas' 'Hip Hop Is Dead' and Jay-Z's 'Kingdom Come.'

West, who was nominated for eight Grammy awards, started his celebration early with 'Good Life' grabbing an award for Best Rap Song and 'Stronger' for Best Rap Solo Performance during pre-telecast.

Donda West died on November 10 in Los Angeles, after undergoing an abdominoplasty -- commonly known as a tummy tuck -- and breast reduction. She was 58.