Keith Girard
Rappers Jay Z and Kanye West dominate Grammys again.
Outside of the best new artist category, there were mostly familiar faces among this year’s nominees for major awards. To be eligible their work had to be released between Oct. 2011 and Sept. 2012.
Of course, there were notable exceptions, which helps the stodgy Grammy Awards maintained credibility. The awards are considered the most prestigious in the industry and are voted on by members of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
The four top categories are Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist because they are not restricted by genre.
British folk-rockers Mumford & Sons and five other acts West, Jay-Z, Frank Ocean, Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys and indie group, fun., received six nods each. Only fun. is new.
Justin Bieber released his third studio album Believe in June, which he said mark a different direction in his career, but not one that Grammy voters apparently thought was significant. Bieber mentor Usher grabbed one nod Best R&B performance for song off Looking 4 Myself.
But Bieber protege, pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen was a surprise nominee for two awards, including best song and best solo performance.
One of the biggest faces in rap this year, Nicki Minaj, also garnered no nominations, despite her unique style, rap talent and the success of her record Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, although it was part re-release from 2010’s Pink Friday.
“American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard released his album Letters from Birmingham, and Idol’s Adam Lambert released Trespassed and both came up empty handed.
Among past winners, Madonna released MDNA, Norah Jones released Little Broken Hearts
Also on the outside looking in is new UK boy bands The Wanted and One Direction, a creation of Simon Cowell that apparently scored low on credibility with Grammy voters, despite two new albums. The didn’t even make best new artists.
Frank Ocean is an exception. This is his first trip to the Grammys as a nominee. He’s up for five awards including Record of the Year, Best New Artist and Album of the Year.
Indie band fun. is also a new entry. The band formed in 2008 and has released two albums, including this year’s Some Nights. They scored nominations on the strength of their hit song “We Are Young,” featuring Janelle Monae. They’re up for Best New Artist, song and record of the year and Album of the Year.
Florence And The Machine was nominated in 2010 as best new artist and is up for two awards Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Shake It Out” and Best Pop Vocal Album for Ceremonials.
Potential Grammy nominees must clear two rounds of voting. Academy members are supposed to vote on quality alone, without considering sales, chart performance, personal friendships, regional preferences or company loyalty.
The 55th annual Grammy Awards will be held on Feb. 10 in Los Angeles. Gramaphones will be handed out in 81 categories. Check out the nominees for major awards, and to the Grammys site for a full list of award nominees.
| Grammy Nominees Major Categories | |
|---|---|
| Record Of The Year Lonely Boy – The Black Keys Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) – Kelly Clarkson We Are Young – Fun. featuring Janelle Monáe Somebody That I Used to Know – Gotye Featuring Kimbra Thinkin Bout You’ – Frank Ocean We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together – Taylor Swift Album Of The Year Song Of The Year Best New Artist Best Pop Solo Performance Best Pop Vocal Album Best Rock Performance Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance Best Rock Song Best Rock Album Best Dance Recording |
‘Bangarang – Skrillex Featuring Sirah Don’t You Worry Child – Swedish House Mafia Featuring John Martin I Can’t Live Without You – Al Walser Best Dance/Electronica Album Best Alternative Music Album Best R&B Song Best R&B Album Best Rap Performance Best Rap Song Best Rap Album Best Country Solo Performance Best Country Song Best Country Album |