Kick-off parties have already begun, and it’s not for the superbowl. The west coast is gearing up for February 11 to honor this year’s Grammy’s at the STAPLES center in Los Angeles. The Grammy’s are to music what the Oscar’s are to movies. Along with the rundown of the year’s highlights, the show features live performances and advertiser-sponsored contests between segments. Last year, America watched Mariah Carey, Bruce Springsteen, and Kelly Clarkson perform along with host Jamie Foxx and Madonna. This year’s host has yet to be revealed. And how many of us tune in? Major headlines in 2006 revealed that the primetime battle between American Idol and the awards show resulted in only 15.1 million viewers. According to Nielsen viewer ship statistics, 28.3 million tuned in to American Idol that same night.
Unless you’re a member of the National Academy of the Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), you haven’t had a chance to cast a vote. Each year, the only people allowed to vote are members of the NARAS, and in order to become a member here you must have submitted at least six albums to the Academy. (Since you’ve only submitted three of your top hits, you’ll have to wait until next year). This year, Yahoo! Music also introduced a public contest for a personal submission of any of the Grammy nominee’s songs-participants submitted a 60 second rendition of their favorite song for judging, and contest winners will be announced on Grammy night.
If you’re anxiously awaiting this year’s lineup of nominees, here’s who you can expect to see in each of the four major categories:
Record of the Year
· ‘Be Without You’ by Mary J. Blige
· ‘You’re Beautiful’ by James Blunt
· ‘Not Ready to Make Nice’ by the Dixie Chicks
· ‘Crazy’ by Gnarls Barkley
· ‘Put Your Records On’ by Corinne Bailey Rae
Album of the Year
- Taking the Long Way by the Dixie Chicks
- St. Elsewhere by Gnarls Barkley
- Continuum by John Mayer
- Stadium Arcadium by Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Future Sex/Love Sounds by Justin Timberlake
Song of the Year
- ‘Be Without You’ by Mary J. Blige
- ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ by Carrie Underwood
- ‘Put Your Records On’ by Corinne Bailey Rae
- ‘You’re Beautiful’ by James Blunt
Best New Artist
- James Blunt
- Chris Brown
- Imogen Heap
- Corinne Bailey Rae
- Carrie Underwood
Did your favorite musician make it to the nominees list? If you’ve managed to score some tickets to the Grammy Awards show, consider yourself exceptionally lucky. Tickets are available ‘by invitation only’ to nominees, their guests, music executives, and corporate sponsors. If you had to turn down your invitation because of a scheduling conflict, or other plans, at least you can host a pre-show event and place your bets. This year’s Grammy’s will be telecast live on CBS at 8 p.m.
