Shanghai Morning Post said Mr Zhao's short comedy was a "fixture" of the national livetelecast, while Guangzhou's Southern Metropolis Daily said his annual play was an "essential dish" in everybody's New Year's Eve dinner.
The three introduced the coveted mustard yellow championship belt, arranging for ESPN to telecast the competition live and promoting the "eaters" as professional athletes.
Compare the recorded tracks with Mr. Timberlake's appearances on the Grammys telecast or more recently on "Saturday Night Live" and "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon": When he is out front dancing and cajoling the crowd with his winning stage personality, his music has an added authority.
In fact, 70 of the 81 trophies were handed out in a pre-telecast ceremony in the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE, next to the Staples Center where the last 11 Grammys were presented between a record 20 star-studded performances.
Adele won the first award of the night on the main telecast, taking home best pop solo performance for "Set Fire to the Rain (Live), " in one of the night's least-surprising moments though the singer was somewhat taken aback.