And The Grammy Goes To...

From pop to hip hop, much of the best music made in the last year will be showcased during The 46th Annual Grammy Awards, which airs at 8 p.m. EST Feb. 8 on CBS.

While rap and R&B acts dominate the list of nominees, this year’s group is a varied collection of musical genres, voices and personalities.

“Embracing both high-profile and up-and-coming artists, the nominations reflect talent that was both commercially successful as well as critically acclaimed,” says Neil Portnow, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, which puts on the show. “We are looking forward to putting together a stellar show that will reflect the musical, cultural and production values that make the Grammys the pinnacle of entertainment and excellence.”

With a total of six each, pop diva Beyoncé, rap mogul Jay-Z, hip hop duo Outkast and the Neptunes’ Pharrell Williams landed the most nominations. Those with five nominations are rapper Missy Elliott, rapper Eminem, rock group Evanescence, rapper 50 Cent, the Neptunes’ Chad Hugo, pop star Justin Timberlake, R&B crooner Luther Vandross and the late rocker Warren Zevon.

Those competing for Album of the Year are Missy Elliott, Evanescence, Outkast, Justin Timberlake and the White Stripes. Nominees for Record of the Year are Beyoncé, featuring Jay-Z (Crazy In Love), Black Eye Peas and Justin Timberlake (Where Is the Love?), Coldplay (Clocks), Eminem (Lose Yourself) and Outkast (Hey Ya).

The Best New Artist nominees are Evanescence, 50 Cent, alt-pop group Fountains of Wayne, R&B singer Heather Hedley and dancehall DJ/singer Sean Paul.

This year’s show, broadcast live from Los Angeles, will feature multiple hosts and be viewed by about 650 million people worldwide. Artists scheduled to perform or present an award include Madonna, Martina McBride, the White Stripes, Timberlake and Beyoncé.

A Grammy is the most prestigious honor in the music community, so most of today’s singers have spent years dreaming of taking one home, perhaps even practicing their acceptance speeches in front of a mirror. On Feb. 8, you’ll have a front-row seat in seeing lifelong dreams come true.

Beverly Keel is American Profile’s entertainment editor.

Share This Story With Others:

 

Discuss this Article