Rox's GRAMMY Predictions

So The Recording Academy is announcing GRAMMY Nominations tomorrow morning so I wanted to take a crack at who will/should be nominated in the top categories. Now, The Academy has several top acts reading noms tomorrow which means most of them have a good shot at getting something. Folks reading noms include Fergie, Akon, Foo Fighters, Linkin Park, Taylor Swift, Vince Gill, Herbie Hancock and George Lopez (hmmm...he must have a spoken word album eligible!). So, from those there's probably a sure bet that country newbie Taylor Swift is getting a Best New Artist Nod; I am hoping the others in this category are Amy Winehouse, James Morrison (should but won't) and possibly Sean Kingston and/or Daughtry with the Academy finally embracing "American Idol" stars. New Artist is a tough one this year. Now, Fergie -- I bet she's getting a record of the year nod for "Big Girls Don't Cry" and it even could get a song of the year. (Record of the Year goes to the performer and the producer where Song of the Year is a songwriting award, btw) Others in Record of the Year should include Rihanna's "Umbrella," Amy Winehouse's "Rehab," Pink's "U + Ur Hand" (but it's probably too racy for Academy voters), and Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats." Song of the Year is harder because The Academy LOVES John Mayer and Alicia Keys but I don't think Mayer has enough this year and not sure if Keys' "No One" made it in the eligibility period. If it did, expect it to do well in Record and Female Vocal performances. Fergie has a shot at Song of the Year with "Big Girls Don't Cry" with its rehabilitating message. Speaking of...Winehouse's "Rehab" has a shot at Song as well. And Timbaland has a shot at Song and Record of the Year with his and One Republic's massive "Apologize." And don't ever underestimate Kanye's "Stronger." And Beyonce's "Bday" that never ends -- "Irreplaceable" was a massive record and could get a "Record" nom and probably a Pop Vocal nod. And that damn "Hey There Delilah" -- could get a Record nod but it's so damn annoying (Plain White T's is the group's name). And I'm sure Maroon5 is going to get SOMETHING for their infectious hit "Makes Me Wonder." Akon is on everyone's record so he has a great shot at pulling numerous noms -- maybe even something with Ms. Stefani and "Sweet Escape"? Gill didn't do well at the CMAs but his 4-disc set should at least deserve a Country Album of the Year nom for its sheer VOLUME! My friend Jimmy Jam also is reading noms tomorrow morning so here's hoping for yet another Producer of the Year nod. I don't listen to country but let's assume there will be a Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride and of course a Keith Urban something or other. And, you know, Ms. Aguilera could pull something for her powerful "Hurt" but we'll have to see on that one. And, Album of the Year? Rihanna deserves it, Fergie's not eligible because it came out the year before; could Timbaland get it for his all-star album of hits? Amy "I Really Need to Rethink Rehab" Winehouse also could pull an Album of the Year nod (everyone loves a comeback, right Whitney?). Of course, that leaves Herbie Hancock...enquiring minds but the Academy loves him so who knows! And will Kanye's head get even bigger with multi-noms? I bet on both. Thankfully I don't think Tony Bennett has anything eligible...tee hee. Full recap after the noms come out tomorrow. Go Rihanna!!