Chris Brown All Smiles After 'SNL' Comeback Performances

Chris Brown has learned a lot of lessons in his young life, including how to generate controversy on Grammys weekend.

After his turn as musical guest on this wekeend's 'Saturday Night Live,' it's worth asking: Has the 21-year-old singer also learned that you can pound on your girlfriend's face so hard she calls 911 for rescue, and then -- just two years later -- be rewarded with a major TV spot to promote your musical comeback?

Before his 'SNL' performances, Brown tweeted, "I'm so nervous about tonight!!!!!" On camera, he beamed at the applause. Early Sunday morning, he tweeted, "I can't tell you how good it feels to not let my fans down and for once have a little peace! Thank you team breezy for believing."

Fans have been divided ever since the shocking news about how violently Brown abused Rihanna the night before the 2009 Grammys. The talented upstart is now a convicted felon (he remains on probation, having plead guilty to assault) and he's often expressed frustration with the uphill climb he faces, rehabbing his image. So, in the public eye, is his transgression forgivable? If not immediately, when? Should he go away or fight for his career? Is he, or isn't he, a kid who messed up and deserves a second chance?

The night before the 2011 Grammys, Brown took the stage in New York, far from his ex (Rihanna is scheduled to sing with Eminem in Los Angeles at tonight's award ceremony; she's also close pals with 'SNL' host Russell Brand's wife, Katy Perry), and he made his biggest push yet for a serious comeback. Think it was a success?

In case you missed it, check out Chris Brown on 'SNL,' singing 'Yeah 3x,' with smooth moves and fist-bump dancing. And after the jump, watch his decidedly confident seduction ballad, 'No Bulls--t'.