Adele was initially overcome with emotion as she accepted the award for best pop solo performance for “Someone Like You.’’ She gained her composure soon enough as she went on to win the top three awards, including album (“21’’), record (“Rolling in the Deep’’), and song of the year (again for “Rolling in the Deep,’’ this time honoring the songwriter).

After indie-rock band Arcade Fire scored an upset win in 2011 for album of the year, Adele’s broad victory was reassurance that the Recording Academy values an artist who has the best of both worlds: millions of fans and the platinum sales to prove it.

In her first public performance since having throat surgery in Boston last year, Adele was golden as she climbed the peaks of “Rolling in the Deep.’’ The look on her face, and the tears in her eyes once she finished, suggested she was back where she belongs.
..

Choking back tears at the podium to accept her final award, Adele thanked her mother with a shout-out that perfectly summarized the evening: “Mum, your girl did good!’’