Grammy Nominations – Live Blog – Jennfier Hudson, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks Receive Nods

By On 12/03/2008 · 106 Comments · In Uncategorized

The Grammy special was an hour long, with only 6 nominations announced.   Better to have gone straight to the list, HERE, like the smart peeps in comments did!

In between announcements, tonight’s guest artists performed Grammy winning songs.   The best of the night, were a nice surprise–Celine Dion with a restrained, almost etheareal performance of   Janis Ian’s “At 17″ and Christina Aguilera’s totally WOW performance of “Porgy and Bess.” BB King and John Mayer, performing “Let the Good Times Roll” was totally made of win! On the downside, I can’t endure one more live performance from Taylor Swift,   The flat singing is bad enough, but those cold, dead eyes when she performs just skeer me.

Carrie Underwood’s Carnival Ride was not nominated for Best Country Album. No nominations for Daughtry (I thought his single, “What About Now” had a shot).   And a nomination for Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown’s “No Air”, as expected, but I expected the song to get a few more noms.

A big congrats to Jennifer Hudson who got several nominations, including Best R&B Album, Best R&B Vocal Performance, and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group–a double Idol nom that included Fantasia!   Her single, “Spotlight” was nominated for Best R&B Song.

Here are the Idol nominations.   Full categories are listed after the jump.

  • Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals – Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown, “No Air”
  • Best Female R&B Vocal Performance – Jennifer Hudson, “Spotlight”
  • Best R&B Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocals   – Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia – “I’m His Only Woman”
  • Best R&B Song – “Spotlight” – Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen & Shaffer Smith, songwriters (Jennifer Hudson)
  • Best R&B Album – Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Hudson
  • Best Female Country Vocal Performance – Carrie Underwood – “Last Name”
  • Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media – “Ever, Ever After” (From Enchanted) – Alan Menken & Stephen Schwartz, songwriters (Carrie Underwood)
  • Best Gospel Performance – Kim Burrell, Rance Allen, Bebe Winans, Mariah Carey & Hezekiah Walker’s Love Fellowship Tabernacle Church Choir – “I Understand” – Track from: Randy Jackson’s Music Club, Volume One

Categories, after the JUMP…

Nominations Announced during the special:

Best New Artist

  • Adele
  • Duffy
  • The Jonas Brothers
  • Lady Antebellum
  • Jazmine Sullivan

Album of the Year

  • Coldplay – Vida La Vida
  • Lil Wayne – Tha Carter
  • Ne-Yo – Year of the Gentleman
  • Robert Plant and Allison Krauss – Raising Sand
  • Radiohead – In Rainbows

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals – Presented by Foo Fighters

  • Alicia Keys and John Mayer – “Lessons Learned”
  • Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland – “4 Minutes”
  • Robert Plant and Allison Krauss – “Rich woman”
  • Rihanna and Maroon 5 – “If I Never See Your Face Again”
  • Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown – “No Air”

Best Country Performance by a Group or Duo

  • Brooks and Dunn – “God Must Be Busy”
  • Lady Antebellum – “Love Don’t Live Here”
  • Rascal Flatts – “Everyday”
  • Steel Drivers – “Blue Side of the Mountain”
  • Sugarland – “Stay”

Best Rap Performance by a Due or Group – Presented by Taylor Swift

  • Big Boy featuring Raekwon – “Royal Flush”
  • Jay-Z and T.I. – “Swagga Like Us”
  • Lil Wayne and Jay-Z – “Mister Carter”
  • Ludicrious and T.I. – “Wish You Would”
  • Young Jeezy and Kanye West – “Put On”

Record of the Year – Presented by John Mayer

  • Adele – “Chasing Pavements”
  • Coldplay – “Viva La Vida”
  • Leona Lewis – “Bleeding Love”
  • M.I.A. – “Paper Planes”
  • Robert Plant and Allison Krauss – “Please Read the Letter”

Notable Idol Nominations:

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals – Presented by Foo Fighters

  • Alicia Keys and John Mayer – “Lessons Learned”
  • Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland – “4 Minutes”
  • Robert Plant and Allison Krauss – “Rich woman”
  • Rihanna and Maroon 5 – “If I Never See Your Face Again”
  • Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown – “No Air”

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance

  • Beyonce – “Me, Myself And I”
  • Keyshia Cole – “Just Like You”
  • Jennifer Hudson – “Spotlight”
  • Alicia Keys – “Superwoman”
  • Jazmine Sullivan – “Need You Bad”

Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals

  • Boyz II Men – “Ribbon in the Sky”
  • Anthony David Featuring India.Arie – “Words”
  • Al Green Featuring John Legend – “Stay With Me By The Sea”
  • Jennifer Hudson Featuring Fantasia – “I’m His Only Woman”
  • Raphael Saadiq Featuring Stevie Wonder & CJ Hilton – “Never Give You Up”

Best R&B Song

  • “Bust Your Windows” – Salaam Remi & Jazmine Sullivan, songwriters (Deandre Way, songwriter) (Jazmine Sullivan)
  • “Customer” – I. Barias, Raheem DeVaughn, C. Haggins, K. Oliver & J. Smith, songwriters (Raheem DeVaughn)
  • “Heaven Sent” – Keyshia Cole, Jason Farmer & Alex Francis, songwriters (Keyshia Cole)
  • “Miss Independent” – M.S. Eriksen, T.E. Hermansen & S. Smith, songwriters (Ne-Yo)
  • “Spotlight” – Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen & Shaffer Smith, songwriters (Jennifer Hudson)

Best R&B Album

  • Eric Benet – Love & Life
  • Boyz II Men – Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA
  • Al Greene – Lay It Down
  • Jennifer Hudson – Jennifer Hudson
  • Raphael Saadiq – The Way I See It

Best Female Country Vocal Performance

  • Martina McBride – “For These Times”
  • LeAnn Rimes – “What I Cannot Change”
  • Carrie Underwood – “Last Name”
  • Lee Ann Womack – “Last Call”
  • Trisha Yearwood – “This is Me You’re Talking To”

Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media

  • “Down To Earth” (From Wall-E) – Peter Gabriel & Thomas Newman, songwriters (Peter Gabriel)
  • “Ever Ever After” (From Enchanted) – Alan Menken & Stephen Schwartz, songwriters (Carrie Underwood)
  • “Say” (From The Bucket List) – John Mayer, songwriter (John Mayer)
  • “That’s How You Know” (From Enchanted) – Alan Menken & Stephen Schwartz, songwriters (Amy Adams)
  • “Walk Hard” (From Walk Hard à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  The Dewey Cox Story) – Judd Apatow, Marshall Crenshaw, Jake Kasdan & John C. Reilly, songwriters (John C. Reilly)

Best Gospel Performance

  • Kim Burrell, Rance Allen, Bebe Winans, Mariah Carey & Hezekiah Walker’s Love Fellowship Tabernacle Church Choir – “I Understand” – Track from: Randy Jackson’s Music Club, Volume One
  • Casting Crowns “East To West”
  • Mary Mary – “Get Up”
  • Take 6 – “Shall We Gather at the River”
  • CeCe Winans – “Waging War”

 
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  • Trina

    Pardon my language, but wow what a load of bullshit. The Jonas Brothers over Leona Lewis and Jordin? UGH.

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    Okay, “The Jonas Brothers” and “Grammy” do not belong in the same sentence. Unless the sentence is “The Jonas Brothers getting a Grammy nomination is a joke.”

    Who is Jazmine Sullivan? Never heard of her. Kind of a surprise about Lady Antebellum, but I bet their BNA award at the CMA’s helped their case. And they’re really good, too.

    Personally, I hope Adele wins. I love her music.

  • itsalleternal

    I agree re: Adele (my pick to win as well), and definitely agree re: the Jonas Brothers.

    I’d choose any of Sara Bareilles, OneRepublic, Jordin Sparks, Leona Lewis or (if eligible) Colbie Caillat over them.

  • soundscene

    I’m for Adele too. And UGH at the Jonas Brothers.

  • elisad

    That’s really new, who are Lady Antebellum & Jazmine Sullivan… Since Sara Bareilles is not nominated, Adele better win.

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    Ne-Yo?! Album of the Year?! OMGYAY! I LOVE NE-YO!

    ETA: Lady Antebellum is country. They won Best New Artist at the CMA’s a couple weeks ago. I like them, they’re really good.

    ETA2: Foo Fighters plus You’re So Vain is made of win.

  • dreamr

    Yay! I love Adele! I hope she gets it!

  • Sarah

    Wow, those best new artist nominations are definitely from another planet, except for Adele and Duffy. Gotta root for Adele. And if I had a vote for best album I’d cast it for Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. Raising Sand is indeed a great album.

  • leome

    Never heard of Lady Antebellum and Jazmine Sullivan too. I can’t really pick between Duffy and Adele, I think they’re both very good.

    Album? Viva La Vida. for sure.

  • Kirsten

    Those BNA nominations are a little bit of a head scratcher. Leona and One Republic get shut out? I’ve heard all those artists touted for BNA, except for Jazmine.

    The Album of the Year nominations are better. Coldplay has been doing great and Raising Sand was an interesting album. Is the Radiohead one the one they let people decide what they wanted to pay for it?

  • Kirsten

    Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals

    Alicia Keys & John Mayer – Lessons Learned
    Madonna & Justin & Timbo – 4 Minutes
    Robert Plant & Krasu – Rich woman
    Rihanna & M5 – If I Never See
    Jordin Sparks & chris Brown – No Air

    Go Jordin!

  • wonderwhy

    Oh, wow. Adele, Duffy, Robert Plant and Allison Krause, Radiohead, yes that’s fine. But some of the other nominations? I just don’t know.

  • frogcooke

    YAY Jordin!

  • soundscene

    Go Jordin!!!!

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    Yay, go Jordin!!

    And I’m glad that Sugarland’s “Stay” was nominated for the country one. IMO, that’s one of the best songs of the year in ANY genre.

    ETA: Christina Aguilera sounds AMAZING.

  • itsalleternal

    Best Pop Collaboration – nightmare category. 4 great songs there. As long as Madonna et al. DO NOT win, I am happy. But go Jordin anyway!!!

  • Kirsten

    Best Female R&B Vocal Performance

    Me, Myself And I – Beyoncà ©
    Heaven Sent – Keyshia Cole
    Spotlight – Jennifer Hudson
    Superwoman – Alicia Keys
    Need U Bad – Jazmine Sullivan

    Go Jennifer! I knew she could do it.

  • Kris

    Jazmine Sullivan is an R&B singer. She is really good. I love her debut single “Need U Bad”.

  • Kirsten

    Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals

    Ribbon In The Sky- Boyz II Men
    Words- Anthony David Featuring India.Arie
    Stay With Me (By The Sea)-Al Green Featuring John Legend
    I’m His Only Woman – Jennifer Hudson Featuring Fantasia
    Never Give You Up- Raphael Saadiq Featuring Stevie Wonder & CJ Hilton

    Yeah! That’s three Idols so far. Jennifer and Fantasia FTW!

  • Kirsten

    Best R&B Song

    Bust Your Windows – Salaam Remi & Jazmine Sullivan, songwriters (Deandre Way, songwriter) (Jazmine Sullivan)
    Customer- I. Barias, Raheem DeVaughn, C. Haggins, K. Oliver & J. Smith, songwriters (Raheem DeVaughn)
    Heaven Sent – Keyshia Cole, Jason Farmer & Alex Francis, songwriters (Keyshia Cole)
    Miss Independent – M.S. Eriksen, T.E. Hermansen & S. Smith, songwriters (Ne-Yo)
    Spotlight – Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen & Shaffer Smith, songwriters (Jennifer Hudson)

  • dzbebepnai

    though i love the jonas brothers, i don’t consider them a new artist. Therefore, I hope Adele wins because I love “Chasing Pavements”. But I also love Duffy. Ugh. Idk who the other two are. As for Album of the Year, Cold Play all the way:) I hope Archuleta gets a nod.

  • Kirsten

    Best R&B Album

    Love & Life – Eric Benà ©t
    Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA – Boyz II Men
    Lay It Down – Al Green
    Jennifer Hudson- Jennifer Hudson
    The Way I See It – Raphael Saadiq

  • Kirsten

    Best Female Country Vocal Performance

    For These Times – Martina McBride
    What I Cannot Change – LeAnn Rimes
    Last Name – Carrie Underwood
    Last Call – Lee Ann Womack
    This Is Me You’re Talking To – Trisha Yearwood

  • Trina

    Wow Jennifer!! Some much needed joy for that girl indeed!

  • Kris

    Go Jennifer!!!

  • houstonrufus

    Yay Jordin and Jennifer! That is awesome!!!

    While I am not a Jonas fan at all, I will say the critics praised their album alot. Rolling Stone gave their album 4 stars. Just sayin.

  • itsalleternal

    4 so far for Jennifer! Congratulations!

  • Kirsten

    Idol related:
    Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media

    Down To Earth (From Wall-E) – Peter Gabriel & Thomas Newman, songwriters (Peter Gabriel)
    Ever Ever After (From Enchanted)- Alan Menken & Stephen Schwartz, songwriters (Carrie Underwood)
    Say (From The Bucket List) – John Mayer, songwriter (John Mayer)
    That’s How You Know (From Enchanted) – Alan Menken & Stephen Schwartz, songwriters (Amy Adams)
    Walk Hard (From Walk Hard à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  The Dewey Cox Story)- Judd Apatow, Marshall Crenshaw, Jake Kasdan & John C. Reilly, songwriters (John C. Reilly)

  • itsalleternal

    Where is the complete list?

  • dzbebepnai

    yayyyyy go jordin:)

  • http://www.dancin.ca dancin

    someone please stick an ice pick in my ear so i never have to hear taylor swift so butcher a song again

  • houstonrufus

    Poor Taylor. I wish she had a voice to match her writing skills.

  • baxter

    Well Taylor I’m Sorry I had to listen to you sing….shudders….

    Foo Fighters plus You’re So Vain = WIN!!!! Loved it

  • E

    Go J Hud! happy for her.

    Go Jordin!

    That Jonas Bro nomination is lol.

  • leome

    Yay for Jennifer! And it’s cool to see Fantasia there too.

    Go Carrie!

    Is the Radiohead one the one they let people decide what they wanted to pay for it?

    It is. I was quite disappointed with the album… but well, It’s Radiohead so yay for nomination.

  • Kirsten

    Where is the complete list?

    Grammy Nominations

  • IdolFanatic

    Agreed with those who say that JB should NOT be even in the same sentence as Grammy. And over Leona?! WTF?! Also agreed about choosing Sara Bareilles, OneRepublic, Jordin Sparks, or Colbie Caillat over them. Good Lord, what is the music world coming to?!

    And someone please tell Taylor Swift to STOP SINGING! I have yet to see that girl actually sing on key in a live setting. Get her off the stage and tell her start writing songs for people who can actually carry a tune. She’ll probably get nominated too…spare me.

  • idolbeat

    Go Idols!

    OMIGOSH, I thought it was me hearing how flat Taylor sounded – was it the wrong key?

  • mermichelle

    I love Lady Antebellum. They are a really great country group. You should give them a listen.

  • E

    Yeah the critics praised the Jona album a lot, but they already have a 2nd album, not a new artist lol.

  • dzbebepnai

    oooohhh i love “swagga like us”.

  • hardkandy

    I don’t understand why the JoBros keep getting nominated for Best New Artist, Breakthrough Award? From what I’ve gathered, they’ve been around for a while and “A Little Bit Longer” is already their THIRD album. What gives?

    I also don’t understand the hate that comes with them being nominated. Their album is not that bad. And they appeal to their demographic. RS gave them 4 out of 5 stars and the Grammys do listen to critics.

    And Taylor is awesome. I don’t care if she’s not the best singer. She is always awesome to me. Haha.

  • Niall

    It’s too bad for Jennifer that she won’t truly be able to enjoy all her Grammy success.

    I find it ironic that Fantasia’s only nod is one where she’s clutching JHud’s coattails on their duet. Jennifer was clearly the class of season 3.

  • IdolFanatic

    And Taylor is awesome. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t care if sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not the best singer. She is always awesome to me. Haha.

    To each their own, but she is seriously painful for me to listen to and actually almost sounds as though she’s in pain when singing live. Her looks and flashy performance gimmicks are what get her by. I mean do I prefer her over Miley Cyrus, well sure, but not by much.

  • itsalleternal

    Total Idol nominations:

    Jennifer Hudson – 4 nominations

    Carrie Underwood – 2 nominations

    Jordin Sparks – 1 nomination

    Fantasia – 1 nomination (w/JHud)

    (Simon Cowell – 1 nomination, as producer with Leona Lewis in Record of the Year)

  • hardkandy

    I’m kinda surprised Carrie is not nominated for more awards. But yay for Sugarland!

  • shell29

    Jonas Brothers for BNA?? :blink_tb: Shaking my head at that one. Don’t really know about Lady Antebellum, but I love Adele, Duffy and Jazmine. I’m so happy for those three ladies.

    Yay Jordin and Jennifer! Congrats to all the other Idols who’ve received nominations.

  • itsalleternal

    Song of the Year (not shown, but a big one – writer award):

    American Boy
    William Adams, Keith Harris, Josh Lopez, Caleb Speir, John Stephens, Estelle Swaray & Kanye West, songwriters (Estelle Featuring Kanye West)

    Chasing Pavements
    Adele Adkins & Eg White, songwriters (Adele)

    I’m Yours
    Jason Mraz, songwriter (Jason Mraz)

    Love Song
    Sara Bareilles, songwriter (Sara Bareilles)

    Viva La Vida
    Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion & Chris Martin, songwriters (Coldplay)

  • dzbebepnai

    Cold Play deserves Record of the Year:)

  • idolbeat

    ok, I’ll be the only one to say it as I run out of the room as fast as I can – I am starting to like Miley’s singing over Taylor’s. I think Miley manages to hit the right key. :hmm1_ee:

  • shell29

    I find it ironic that Fantasiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s only nod is one where sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s clutching JHudà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s coattails on their duet. Jennifer was clearly the class of season 3.

    Fantasia has been nominated for several Grammys already. She’s just had lousy luck when it comes to winning one.

  • http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=587900002&ref=name cruzceleste

    I can  ´t believe MIA Pper Planes got a nomination…. WTF … Well congrats to the idols that were nominated…

  • hardkandy

    To each their own, but she is seriously painful for me to listen to and actually almost sounds as though sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s in pain when singing live. Her looks and flashy performance gimmicks are what get her by. I mean do I prefer her over Miley Cyrus, well sure, but not by much.

    Looks and flashy gimmicks? I’ll give you her looks but flashy gimmicks? *confused* To me, her appeal is her songwriting. Her album is really good. The songs are extremely catchy and relatable. I don’t think she gets by on her “flashy gimmicks” as she doesn’t have that much gimmicks. Her award show performances are actually quite dull as opposed to Britney’s performances back in her hey day. Now those were “flashy gimmicks.” I’ve seen videos of Taylor on tour and in smaller venues, and I say she is much better in that intimate setting.

    But like you said, to each their own.

  • idolbeat

    I also like Stay!

  • Kirsten

    Viva La Vida for the win! (Song of the Year) I love that song.

    Although, “I’m Yours” and “Love Song” are also fav’s. You know, all the songs in that category are great. Good job on those nominations.

  • primeminister

    I’m surprised Leona wasn’t nominated for Best New Artist. The Jonas Bros? Seriously? Nothing against them, but they have definitely been around for more than a year. I had already heard of them when their SOS cd came out.

  • IdolFanatic

    ok, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be the only one to say it as I run out of the room as fast as I can – I am starting to like Mileyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s singing over Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s. I think Miley manages to hit the right key.

    LOL! You know it’s funny you say that because Miley sang on the Rockefeller Christmas special tonight. And for the first time, I was shocked that actually did a halfway decent job with Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree. Not amazing, but she wasn’t as horribly off key as she is when tries to rock out to her own songs. Oh the irony!

    Anyway, for once tonight, I have to say I agree that Miley actually outdid Taylor. I have never heard Taylor hit a note on key live. She would never make it on Idol. Then again, neither would Miley. Makes me actually appreciate much of the talent that comes out of that show.

  • idolbeat

    Giving credit where it is due: Taylor is an incredible songwriter and the fact that she is so dang young to boot, she is extremely talented in that area. But, her singing live, seems to leave a lot to be desired.

  • CathyMK

    I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t understand why the JoBros keep getting nominated for Best New Artist, Breakthrough Award? From what Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve gathered, theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve been around for a while and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“A Little Bit Longerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is already their THIRD album. What gives?

    IIRC, the Grammy year runs from 10/1-9/30, and the Breakthrough Artist award is for the year in which an artist becomes famous, not necessarily the year of their 1st album. The Jonas Brothers 1st album was released in 2006 and only sold 62,000 copies. Their 2nd album, the one with SOS, came out 8/07. It didn’t really get huge until we were into the current nomination year. They put out their 3rd album this past August. They went from being a little famous to HUGE in the space of 1 year. So, they are eligible for the breakthrough artist award.

    But more importantly, did anyone else see them in NYC on the “live” Rockefeller Center show, then 20 minutes later in LA at the “live” Grammy nominations? :lol_tb:

  • houstonrufus

    I always have issues with the grammy noms, but I think this is a pretty good list overall.

    Oh, and don’t stone me, but I love Paper Planes. LOL. I’m surprised it was nominated, but it is creative and original. MIA is a talented artist.

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    Looks and flashy gimmicks? Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll give you her looks but flashy gimmicks? *confused*

    Oh you know, the waterfall for “Should’ve Said No” at whatever awards show that was. The big stage and recreation of her “Love Story” video, etc.

  • houstonrufus

    Really happy about the nom for Sara Bareilles. She is a real talent. And that song was a nice flip off to the executive types. Good to see her get some notice.

  • hardkandy

    Oh, and donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t stone me, but I love Paper Planes. LOL. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m surprised it was nominated, but it is creative and original. MIA is a talented artist.

    I love that song! And I love MIA too.

  • IdolFanatic

    Giving credit where it is due: Taylor is an incredible songwriter and the fact that she is so dang young to boot, she is extremely talented in that area. But, her singing live, seems to leave a lot to be desired.

    Well you’re a lot nicer about it than I was. LOL! I think she is a beautiful and sweet girl who is a decent songwriter for a teenager, I’ll give her that much. I say decent songwriter, not incredible. Her songs are a bit too teeny-bopper cliche for my taste (I mean seriously, how many bad boyfriend problems does one need to hear about on one CD?), but I respect the fact that she writes her own songs. She just needs some serious voice lessons or learn to lip synch really well.

    Re: my “flashy gimmicks” remark above, okay, perhaps that was the wrong choice of words. I actually liked the visuals of her CMA performance this year, but not her vocals. However, last year’s Should’ve Said No performance with the jacket was a bit silly IMO.

  • http://www.idolbloglive.com DJSlim

    sifted through all of the list. here is the idol nominations

    * Jordin Sparks with Chris Brown à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“No Airà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  – Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals
    * Jennifer Hudson with Fantasia à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m His Only Womanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  – Best R&B Performance By A Duo
    * Jennifer Hudson à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Spotlightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  – Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
    * Jennifer Hudson – Best R&B Album
    * Carrie Underwood
    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Last Nameà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  – Best Female Country Vocal Performance
    * Carrie Underwood à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ever Ever Afterà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  – Best Song Written For Motion Picture

  • E

    Woah if that’s how BNA nomination goes, by fame plus album, I guess Taylor Swift will probably ge nominated next year lol

  • houstonrufus

    I saw MIA at the Austin City Limits Festival last year and she was off the hook!!! She is such a wonderful hybrid of cultures and sounds and influences. I think her music is one example of how global music is becoming.

  • IdolFanatic

    Really happy about the nom for Sara Bareilles. She is a real talent. And that song was a nice flip off to the executive types. Good to see her get some notice.

    Totally agree! I am still not sick of that song even though it’s on the radio 10 times a day. I love it and have it as one of my ring tones :) I so need to buy her CD!

  • Deejay

    Taylor Swift is an awkward performer… Well, at least she can write!

    “I Kissed a Girl” got a nomination…I may have to go throw up now.

  • primeminister

    Another indirect mention of an Idol-related individual:

    Best Gospel Performance
    (For solo, duo, group as collaborative performances. Singles or tracks with vocal containing Gospel lyrics. All genres of Gospel music are eligible.)

    I Understand
    Kim Burrell, Rance Allen, Bebe Winans, Mariah Carey & Hezekiah Walker’s Love Fellowship Tabernacle Church Choir
    Track from: Randy Jackson’s Music Club, Volume One
    [Concord Records/Dream Merchant 21 Ent.]

  • itsalleternal

    Totally agree! I am still not sick of that song even though ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s on the radio 10 times a day. I love it and have it as one of my ring tones :) I so need to buy her CD!

    I think she should have got the nomination for Best New Artist over the Jonas Brothers…

  • Niall

    Taylor is a decent songwriter for being a teenager. It remains to be seen if she managed to evolve and mature. If her performance skills and live vocals don’t improve I suspect she’ll eventually be remembered mostly as a country version of a teen idol flavor of the month.

  • itsalleternal

    Overall leading nominations:

    Lil’ Wayne – 8
    Coldplay – 7
    Jay-Z – 6
    Ne-Yo – 6
    Kanye West – 6

  • annoula

    Ooooh I want Jason Mraz to win one.

    And yeah, whoever comes up with these JB nominations should be ashamed of him/herself.

  • smartcookie

    If the nom for the Jonas Brothers bugs, just remember that Milli Vanilli *won* best new artist. Then they got it taken away, of course, but the Academy did see fit to give it to them in the first place.

  • houstonrufus

    Not really surprised about Lil Wayne, Coldplay, Jay Z or Kanye. I wasn’t expecting so many for Ne-Yo. I somehow missed that train this year. I didn’t really notice him until his performance at the AMAs. Even though his songs are on all the time, just didn’t take notice.

  • hardkandy

    Oh you know, the waterfall for à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Shouldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve Said Noà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  at whatever awards show that was. The big stage and recreation of her à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Love Storyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  video, etc.

    EH, I guess following Britney, N Sync, Christina and Eminem’s career from way before, I have higher definitions of what flashy is. Those are just average performances for me. Britney stripping at the VMAs, Britney holding that BOA while dancing to I’m A Slave 4 U, countless Britney performances that involved harnesses, Britney kissing Madonna, Eminem and his 100 Eminem clones, N Sync dancing behind television screens (that was awesome), Christina bringing Fred Durst on stage. Taylor’s performances are very run of the mill, boring actually.

  • bigjr6633

    It’s funny seeing comments about Miley Cyrus being preferred over Taylor Swift because I hate to admit, but I have enjoyed most of Miley’s performances lately. While Taylor Swift is a great songwriter, I don’t think she has the best voice and she’s kind of uninteresting to me. Miley doesn’t have the best voice either, but she really knows how to draw me in on her performances.

    In regards to Jonas Brothers being nominated for Best New Artist, I don’t think you should be nominated in this category if you’ve made albums before like they have. They became insanely popular over the year and their nominated for BNA even though they’ve been around for a while, it really doesn’t make sense.

    Congrats to Jordin and Jennifer!

  • Deejay

    Ne-Yo’s a good songwriter. He’s written a lot of songs for other artists, including the only Rhianna song I really like, “Take a Bow,” Mario Vazquez’s (remember him?) “Gallery,” Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable,” and Mario’s “Let Me Love You.” The list goes on and on…

  • houstonrufus

    Oh, wow, Deejay. I had forgotten that. The older I get the harder it is to keep up with all these young whipper snappers. Good for him!

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    A coworker of mine has really gotten me into Ne-Yo in the past year, so I’m kinda still catching up. But I think “Year of the Gentleman” is a great album, and I was surprised but stoked that it was nominated.

    “Take a Bow” is the only Rihanna song I really like too, deejay. The only one I’ve downloaded, at least. And I have to say, even as overplayed as it was, I love “Irreplaceable.”

    I just love Ne-Yo. I’m really excited for him! :)

  • CathyMK

    In regards to Jonas Brothers being nominated for Best New Artist, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think you should be nominated in this category if youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve made albums before like they have.

    It’s pretty common for an artist to be nominated after a few albums. Fountains of Wayne was nominated in 2004 for their 3rd album. For that matter, both Davids will be eligible for the Best New Artist next year, since their albums came out after 9/30. By the time the awards are presented, they will have been famous for 2 calendar years. David Cook would be nominated (fingers crossed) after making his 3rd solo album, and 6th studio album all together. Most people don’t get huge after their 1st album. It usually takes 2 or 3 to break through.

  • Anya

    After Taylor sold oodles, I checked out her lyrics and this girl’s songs read like a catty My Dear Diary. However, when Celine sung At Seventeen today, that was a sheer genius example of a timeless good songwriting about teenage drama.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    Not quite sure why the Jonas Bros nomination is so surprising. They want people to watch the show and they are hugely popular, even if they can’t really sing well and have faked playing instruments on every show that I’ve seen them perform.

    Of course, I have to bet they are doing their own sucky singing. Unlike Milli Vanilli who had their Grammy revoked because they didn’t sing on their own record.

    Seriously, sometimes the Grammy Awards get it right. Sometimes, it’s all about commercial success.

    Tonight, Xtina, Foo Fighters, and Mayer/King stood out to me for their performances.

  • Kirsten

    Best Female Country Vocal Performance

    Martina McBride – à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“For These Timesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 
    LeAnn Rimes – à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“What I Cannot Changeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 
    Carrie Underwood – à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Carnival Rideà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 
    Lee Ann Womack – à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Last Callà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 
    Trisha Yearwood – à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“This is Me Youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re Talking Toà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

    MJ, small correction, the song Carrie was nominated for was “Last Name” (“Carnival Ride” is the name of the album).

  • KrazeeK120

    A couple of things…….

    I didn’t watch the show tonight. Which is fine, I didn’t need to hear Taylor butcher another song. Not after that waterfall fiasco at whatever awards show that was.

    Could someone please explain to me the difference between Album of the Year and Record of the Year? I don’t get it…Kirsten, for some reason I feel like you will know the answer…help!!!

    Song of the year….Jason Mraz please oh please. “I’m Yours” is fantastic. That song is along the lines of what I’d like to hear Jason Castro doing. Aaaaand I’m off topic.

    I heart Carrie, but for that song from a soundtrack category….”Say” is probably my favorite song of the whole year.

    I have no doubt that Coldplay will win either Record of the Year or Album of the Year (or maybe both).

    The category I’m most interested in is the Pop Collaboration with Vocals…”No Air” has a shot at that one, but there’s a lot of good songs there.

    Anyways….congrats to all of the nominees. I hope JHud comes away with at least one award this year. What an honor would it be to be an Oscar AND Grammy winner????

  • Kirsten

    Could someone please explain to me the difference between Album of the Year and Record of the Year? I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Kirsten, for some reason I feel like you will know the answerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦help!!!

    Album is the entire album. Record is actually just one song.

    Record of the Year: Awarded to the artist, producer, recording engineer and mixer
    Album of the Year: Awarded to the artist, producer. recording engineer, mixer and master engineer
    Song of the Year: Awarded to the songwriter(s)

  • houstonrufus

    I would argue that Jennifer Hudson is a sure thing for R&B female. That song has been a smash on R&B radio. Plus, it is a good song and the girl has got the chops. You can sort of feel the industry wanting to give her the award. 4 nominations in the R&B categories indicates to me she will at least win 1 award. At least.

    Hasn’t Carrie won that award 2 years running? She is probably the favorite in that category. Womack and Yearwood are popular with the critics. McBride, is that the cover album she did of standards? That was a critical success, too. Carrie’s was more a popular hit than a critical one, but she is a popular choice for this award because of her vocals. This category is always kind of interesting to me because it’s usually full of the same names year after year with a couple exceptions, those being newbies. No newbies this year.

    I think Coldplay is the favorite for album of the year. Lil Wayne’s album is the most acclaimed of those five, actually. But the grammy’s just don’t give that award to rap albums. I think Outkast has been the only one. I’d love to see Radiohead win, but the Grammy’s won’t do it.

    Actually, don’t count out the Plant/Krauss collaboration for either Album or Record. The Grammy voters salivate and do double back flips over prestige collabs like that. I would not be surprised at all to see them win 1 or both, kind of like how Herbie Hancock won album out from underneath Kanye last year.

  • hardkandy

    After Taylor sold oodles, I checked out her lyrics and this girlà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s songs read like a catty My Dear Diary.

    It’s more than just lyrics really. Max Martin doesn’t keep getting called back to write for big stars because of his lyrics, it’s coz of his hooks. Her songs are really catchy, IMO.

  • StevenD

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m so happy for Jennifer. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m hoping that they have her perform as her first public performance since the travesty and sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s going to be thrilling. I think her biggest compition for R&B Female is going to be Alicia Keys for Superwoman. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m a little surprised that Mariah Carey, Rhinna, Madonna (except for a few nominations), or Celine Dion were left off the plate and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Bleeding Loveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t nominated for best song.

  • JohnM

    The Jonas Brothers are very deserving of their nomination. They’re not fakers (cordless guitars are normal!), and they’re not manufactured. I wish I had the prodigious talent that Nick in particular has. Yeah, he’s definitely not the greatest singer on the planet — my kids get a kick out of me referring to him as “a squealer” — but he is an impressive songwriter, a good drummer, a good piano player, and a developing guitarist who played a bit of lead on a recent TV appearance — first time I’ve seen him play lead. The toughest thing a musician can do is perform unaccompanied, and he does it very well when performing the title song of A Little Bit Longer on piano.

    They’ve had some less-than-stellar TV performances recently, but so have a whole lot of other artists. I’ve seen these guys live, and they are a very good pop-rock band. Milli Vanilli they are not. I hope either they or Adele win.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    JohnM, I will trust you that the Jonas Brothers have some talent. I guess. BUT, I can only go by what I have seen and that is that they do not play their instruments on the live TV shows that I have seen. I’m not talking about cordless guitars. I’m talking about the major playing done by the band in the back in the dark. I don’t agree that they are a good pop rock band that is deserving of a nomination on musical merit. I’ll give you sales and popularity, sure.

  • Niall

    I’d be more impressed with the Jonas Brothers if Joe would learn to sing in tune rather than do that off key, strained screeching that he does. If he can’t sing live he should lip synch and spare the audience. Sometimes you can be a good musician but lousy singers. That is the case with the Jonas Brothers.

  • elisad

    My brother quickly commented on the JoBros nomination, said it was for the ratings.

  • bigjr6633

    Just wanted to point out something since Ne-Yo is becoming so popular now, he also wrote that Jennifer Hudson song “Spotlight” that’s nominated. He really is a great songwriter and artist, he’s actually becoming one of my favorite male artist.

  • dancingqueen

    I’ve been on the Ne-Yo train for awhile, when he was only writing for others. Glad he decided to come out from behind & perform – he’s a class act. My big thrill on the list, is seeing Raphael Saadiq get a couple of noms.

  • jpfan

    Pretty funny that the Grammys nominated the past three female winners of Idol but none of the guys. Even though they get less interest in the blogsphere, the females of Idol kick so much more ass than most of the guys.

  • jersey

    Congrats to all the nominated idols but can I just say, BB King and John Mayer were amazing last night! Totally made that show for me. I wish I had recorded that performance. I also enjoyed the Foo Fighters and I love the Janis Ian song – but King/Mayer FTW!

  • snuffles

    Jordin should thank her lucky stars that Chris Brown agreed to do that duet with her. I’m convinced if he didn’t, things would be VERY different with her career right now.

    Oh, and if the Jonas Brothers win Best New Artist over Adele or Duffy, I might have to storm the Grammy stage in protest.

  • snuffles

    Oh and can I get a WOOT! WOOT! for M.I.A. and “Paper Planes”!?

  • terps

    I’m willing to bet the Jenifer Hudson will walk away with a Grammy. The academy likes to do give it to people with stuff going on in their life… Dixie Chicks…. Amy Whinehouse. Eventhough the tragedy that happened to Jenifer is far far worst then anything to happen to Whinehouse or the Dixie Chicks, it is still something that will surround the Grammy’s

  • hardkandy

    Jordin should thank her lucky stars that Chris Brown agreed to do that duet with her. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m convinced if he didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t, things would be VERY different with her career right now.

    I agree.

    Oh and can I get a WOOT! WOOT! for M.I.A. and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Paper Planesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ !?

    WOOT! WOOT!

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m willing to bet the Jenifer Hudson will walk away with a Grammy. The academy likes to do give it to people with stuff going on in their life

    I think so too. But I hope if she does win, the media won’t twist it in that way with stuff like “she only won coz they feel bad for her bla blah.” That would be harsh, even for the media who likes to kick people when they’re down.

  • terps

    All around, this will be a big night for the reality stars. I predict we see Carrie, Jordin, Jennifer and leona wins

  • JohnM

    I can only go by what I have seen and that is that they do not play their instruments on the live TV shows that I have seen. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not talking about cordless guitars. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m talking about the major playing done by the band in the back in the dark.

    pj, you’ve said two opposing things here, so I’m not sure which one you mean. Do you mean that they don’t play their instruments, or that they do play but don’t do the “major playing”? If the latter, do you mean that they only play rhythm guitar and not lead guitar? I think it’s fair to say that that’s what most singers do (David Cook just happens to come to mind). And I guess I must have seen more of their TV performances than you have, because in recent weeks I’ve seen Nick play drums and lead guitar, and perform the solo piano song I mentioned.

    I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t agree that they are a good pop rock band that is deserving of a nomination on musical merit.

    Obviously that’s a matter of opinion, and some people will agree with you while others will agree with me. I certainly don’t qualify as a Jonas Brothers fan, but I will say that if you can listen to “Australia” and “Games” from their self-titled album and say that they’re not a good pop-rock band, then I fear there’s no hope for the genre! :wink_wp:

  • leome

    I’m not a fan of the Brothers and I don’t know much about their work, but taking in consideration their age and the fact that it seems they write their own songs I actually think they do a pretty good job and are good artists.
    I love Coldplay, but Chris Martin is off tune every time I see him on TV. Does that take away anything from his songs or his artistic talent? Not really.
    I think what the brothers do for their age is better than average, and better than most teen bands I used to listen to when I was a teen.

    Are they one of the 5 best new artists? Well, I wouldn’t say they are. But they’re good, they sell pretty well, many people love them… I guess that counts for something when you want an award show to have good ratings.

  • dbt

    Didn’t have time to read all the comments — so it’s probably been covered already.. but let me chime in and say that Taylor Swift was horrible! Not just bad .. horrible. She was flat, off-key, and a completely ridiculous pick to try to cover that song. Butchered. She needs to play guitar and quit singing.