Famous for its often debatable nominations and results, the Grammy Awards will be held a week earlier than usual this year. The eligibility period was cut by a month to accommodate the change, meaning anything released after August has to wait a year to be recognised. This ruled out Grammy regular Jay-Z and promising newbie Kid Cudi from the running.
Female soloists dominate this year, with Beyonce leading the nominations with 10 nods, followed by Taylor Swift with eight nominations, while Lady Gaga pulled in five. The women all received nominations in the big three categories: Album, Record and Song of the Year.
This year is the first time in his career Kanye West hasn't been listed for Album or Song of the Year; Grammy favourites U2 and Green Day aren't mentioned in the biggest categories; Katy Perry is bizarrely a contender for Best Female Pop Vocalist; and Johnny Depp could win for best album notes, proving anything can happen.
Album of the Year
I Am Sasha Fierce - Beyonce/ The E.N.D. - Black Eyed Peas/ The Fame - Lady Gaga/ Big Whiskey And The GrooGrux King - Dave Matthews Band/ Fearless - Taylor Swift
It's really a battle between Beyonce and Swift, as the panel is yet to fully embrace mainstream dance/pop. Married to one of the most respected hip hop artists, and with countless collaborations behind her, Beyonce is surely odds-on to win. But Swift is the best-selling artist of the year. And there's a chance Kanye West will interrupt her again...
Record of the Year
