Song of the Year
As Voted On by AOL Music Staff
The Nominees Are:
'Beg, Steal or Borrow,' Ray LaMontagne
'F--- You,' Cee Lo Green
'The House That Built Me,' Miranda Lambert
'Love the Way You Lie,' Eminem Feat. Rihanna
'Need You Now,' Lady Antebellum
Who Will Win: 'Need You Now,' Lady Antebellum
Who Should Win: 'F--- You,' Cee Lo Green
How We Voted:
Who Will Win: 'Need You Now,' 7 votes; 'Love the Way You Lie,' 3 votes;
Who Should Win: 'F--- You,' 6 votes; 'Need You Now,' 3 votes; 'The House That Built Me,' 1 vote
'Beg, Steal or Borrow,' Ray LaMontagne
'F--- You,' Cee Lo Green
'The House That Built Me,' Miranda Lambert
'Love the Way You Lie,' Eminem Feat. Rihanna
'Need You Now,' Lady Antebellum
Who Will Win: 'Need You Now,' Lady Antebellum
Who Should Win: 'F--- You,' Cee Lo Green
How We Voted:
Who Will Win: 'Need You Now,' 7 votes; 'Love the Way You Lie,' 3 votes;
Who Should Win: 'F--- You,' 6 votes; 'Need You Now,' 3 votes; 'The House That Built Me,' 1 vote
Getty Images (2)
Album of the Year
As Voted On by AOL Music Staff
The Nominees Are:
'The Suburbs,' Arcade Fire
'Recovery,' Eminem
'Need You Now,' Lady Antebellum
'The Fame Monster,' Lady Gaga
'Teenage Dream,' Katy Perry
Who Will Win: 'The Fame Monster,' Lady Gaga
Who Should Win: 'The Suburbs,' Arcade Fire; 'The Fame Monster,' Lady Gaga (tie)
How We Voted:
Who Will Win: 'The Fame Monster,' 6 votes; 'Recovery,' 3 votes; 'Need You Now,' 1 vote
Who Should Win: 'The Suburbs,' 5 votes; 'The Fame Monster,' 5 votes
'The Suburbs,' Arcade Fire
'Recovery,' Eminem
'Need You Now,' Lady Antebellum
'The Fame Monster,' Lady Gaga
'Teenage Dream,' Katy Perry
Who Will Win: 'The Fame Monster,' Lady Gaga
Who Should Win: 'The Suburbs,' Arcade Fire; 'The Fame Monster,' Lady Gaga (tie)
How We Voted:
Who Will Win: 'The Fame Monster,' 6 votes; 'Recovery,' 3 votes; 'Need You Now,' 1 vote
Who Should Win: 'The Suburbs,' 5 votes; 'The Fame Monster,' 5 votes
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Best New Artist
As Voted On by AOL Music Staff
The Nominees Are:
Justin Bieber
Drake
Florence and the Machine
Mumford and Sons
Esperanza Spalding
Who Will Win: Justin Bieber; Drake (tie)
Who Should Win: Mumford and Sons
Listen to Mumford and Sons' 'Sigh No More' Free
How We Voted:
Who Will Win: Justin Bieber, 4 votes; Drake, 4 votes; Florence and the Machine, 1 vote; Mumford and Sons, 1 vote
Who Should Win: Mumford and Sons, 4 votes; Drake, 2 votes; Florence and the Machine, 2 vote; Justin Bieber, 1 vote; Esperanza Spalding, 1 vote
Justin Bieber
Drake
Florence and the Machine
Mumford and Sons
Esperanza Spalding
Who Will Win: Justin Bieber; Drake (tie)
Who Should Win: Mumford and Sons
Listen to Mumford and Sons' 'Sigh No More' Free
How We Voted:
Who Will Win: Justin Bieber, 4 votes; Drake, 4 votes; Florence and the Machine, 1 vote; Mumford and Sons, 1 vote
Who Should Win: Mumford and Sons, 4 votes; Drake, 2 votes; Florence and the Machine, 2 vote; Justin Bieber, 1 vote; Esperanza Spalding, 1 vote
Getty Images (2) I WireImage
Record of the Year
As Voted On by AOL Music Staff
The Nominees Are:
'Nothing on You,' B.o.B. Feat. Bruno Mars
'Love the Way You Lie,' Eminem Feat. Rihanna
'F--- You,' Cee Lo Green
'Empire State of Mind,' Jay-Z Feat. Alicia Keys
'Need You Now,' Lady Antebellum
Who Will Win: 'Need You Now,' Lady Antebellum
Who Should Win: 'Empire State of Mind,' Jay-Z Feat. Alicia Keys
How We Voted:
Who Will Win: 'Need You Now,' 6 votes; 'Love the Way You Lie,' 2 votes; 'Empire State of Mind,' 2 votes
Who Should Win: ''Empire State of Mind,' 8 votes; 'Need You Now,' 2 votes
'Nothing on You,' B.o.B. Feat. Bruno Mars
'Love the Way You Lie,' Eminem Feat. Rihanna
'F--- You,' Cee Lo Green
'Empire State of Mind,' Jay-Z Feat. Alicia Keys
'Need You Now,' Lady Antebellum
Who Will Win: 'Need You Now,' Lady Antebellum
Who Should Win: 'Empire State of Mind,' Jay-Z Feat. Alicia Keys
How We Voted:
Who Will Win: 'Need You Now,' 6 votes; 'Love the Way You Lie,' 2 votes; 'Empire State of Mind,' 2 votes
Who Should Win: ''Empire State of Mind,' 8 votes; 'Need You Now,' 2 votes
Getty Images I WireImage
The Nominees Are:
'My World 2.0,' Justin Bieber
'I Dreamed a Dream,' Susan Boyle
'The Fame Monster,' Lady Gaga
'Battle Studies,' John Mayer
'Teenage Dream,' Katy Perry
Who Will Win: 'I Dreamed a Dream,' Susan Boyle
Who Should Win: 'The Fame Monster,' Lady Gaga
The Details: Bieber Fever is a fascinating anthropological phenomenon, but so is Boyle's Boils -- SuBo's feel-good, reality TV-sparked story still needs its fairy-tale ending, and her gargantuan record sales give aging Grammy voters another reason to make her, ahem, dream come true. But Lady Gaga's 'Fame Monster' was a monster step up in quality from her Grammy-winning debut, and while Boyle belted out covers, Gaga's 'Telephone and 'Bad Romance' were among the past year's most iconic tracks. Of course, the actual best pop vocal album was Robyn's 'Body Talk,' but whatevs.
'My World 2.0,' Justin Bieber
'I Dreamed a Dream,' Susan Boyle
'The Fame Monster,' Lady Gaga
'Battle Studies,' John Mayer
'Teenage Dream,' Katy Perry
Who Will Win: 'I Dreamed a Dream,' Susan Boyle
Who Should Win: 'The Fame Monster,' Lady Gaga
The Details: Bieber Fever is a fascinating anthropological phenomenon, but so is Boyle's Boils -- SuBo's feel-good, reality TV-sparked story still needs its fairy-tale ending, and her gargantuan record sales give aging Grammy voters another reason to make her, ahem, dream come true. But Lady Gaga's 'Fame Monster' was a monster step up in quality from her Grammy-winning debut, and while Boyle belted out covers, Gaga's 'Telephone and 'Bad Romance' were among the past year's most iconic tracks. Of course, the actual best pop vocal album was Robyn's 'Body Talk,' but whatevs.
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The Nominees Are:
'A Looking View,' Alice in Chains
'Let Me Hear You Scream,' Ozzy Osbourne
'Black Rain,' Soundgarden
'Between the Lines,' Stone Temple Pilots
'New Fang,' Them Crooked Vultures
Who Will Win: 'New Fang,' Them Crooked Vultures
Who Should Win: 'Black Rain,' Soundgarden
The Details: Even though 'Black Rain' was the only previously unreleased song on Soundgarden's 'Telephantasm' hits package, it's no surprise that it was originally written and tracked way back in 1991. The combination of Kim Thayil's sludge-kissed guitar and Chris Cornell's banshee wailing reminded us how much the Seattle legends worshiped at the altar of Black Sabbath before they found mainstream acceptance.
'A Looking View,' Alice in Chains
'Let Me Hear You Scream,' Ozzy Osbourne
'Black Rain,' Soundgarden
'Between the Lines,' Stone Temple Pilots
'New Fang,' Them Crooked Vultures
Who Will Win: 'New Fang,' Them Crooked Vultures
Who Should Win: 'Black Rain,' Soundgarden
The Details: Even though 'Black Rain' was the only previously unreleased song on Soundgarden's 'Telephantasm' hits package, it's no surprise that it was originally written and tracked way back in 1991. The combination of Kim Thayil's sludge-kissed guitar and Chris Cornell's banshee wailing reminded us how much the Seattle legends worshiped at the altar of Black Sabbath before they found mainstream acceptance.
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Best Metal Performance
As Predicted by Carlos Ramirez, Noisecreep
The Nominees Are:
'El Dorado,' Iron Maiden
'Let the Builder Go,' Korn
'In Your Words,' Lamb of God
'Sudden Death,' Megadeth
'World Painted Blood,' Slayer
Who Will Win: 'El Dorado,' Iron Maiden
Who Should Win: 'El Dorado,' Iron Maiden
The Details: In a career already filled with countless highlights, 2010 was still a banner year for Iron Maiden. The metal overlords not only released a commercially and critically acclaimed album in 'The Final Frontier,' they also launched a world tour that sees them playing well into the rest of 2011. 'El Dorado,' their third Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance, is the kind of coliseum-ready anthem that Iron Maiden do better than anyone else on the planet.
'El Dorado,' Iron Maiden
'Let the Builder Go,' Korn
'In Your Words,' Lamb of God
'Sudden Death,' Megadeth
'World Painted Blood,' Slayer
Who Will Win: 'El Dorado,' Iron Maiden
Who Should Win: 'El Dorado,' Iron Maiden
The Details: In a career already filled with countless highlights, 2010 was still a banner year for Iron Maiden. The metal overlords not only released a commercially and critically acclaimed album in 'The Final Frontier,' they also launched a world tour that sees them playing well into the rest of 2011. 'El Dorado,' their third Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance, is the kind of coliseum-ready anthem that Iron Maiden do better than anyone else on the planet.
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The Nominees Are:
'Angry World,' Neil Young
'Little Lion Man,' Mumford and Sons
'Radioactive,' Kings of Leon
'Resistance,' Muse
'Tighten Up,' The Black Keys
Who Will Win: 'Resistance,' Muse
Who Should Win: 'Tighten Up,' The Black Keys
The Details: This is the place where the Grammys often shows it's not out of touch, therefore wild cards can prosper. Unlike with a lot of other categories where there is one or two clear favorites in the field, everyone here is in the race. However, Kings of Leon won last year and Neil Young should be getting his long-overdue Grammy in the album category. That leaves the other three, with Muse winning by a nose over the Black Keys.
'Angry World,' Neil Young
'Little Lion Man,' Mumford and Sons
'Radioactive,' Kings of Leon
'Resistance,' Muse
'Tighten Up,' The Black Keys
Who Will Win: 'Resistance,' Muse
Who Should Win: 'Tighten Up,' The Black Keys
The Details: This is the place where the Grammys often shows it's not out of touch, therefore wild cards can prosper. Unlike with a lot of other categories where there is one or two clear favorites in the field, everyone here is in the race. However, Kings of Leon won last year and Neil Young should be getting his long-overdue Grammy in the album category. That leaves the other three, with Muse winning by a nose over the Black Keys.
FilmMagic I Getty Images
Best Rock Album
As Predicted by Gaylord Fields, Spinner
The Nominees Are:
'Emotion & Commotion,' Jeff Beck
'The Resistance,' Muse
'Backspacer,' Pearl Jam
'Mojo,' Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
'Le Noise,' Neil Young
Who Will Win: 'Le Noise,' Neil Young
Who Should Win: 'Le Noise,' Neil Young
The Details: Regardless of the album's worthiness (and it is quite worthy), this is a chance for the Academy to right a wrong for never bestowing a music Grammy on an artist who has been singular in releasing high-quality albums for more than 40 years. Consider it the music equivalent of Martin Scorsese winning the Oscar he should have won for 'Raging Bull' or 'Goodfellas' for 'The Departed' in 2006.
'Emotion & Commotion,' Jeff Beck
'The Resistance,' Muse
'Backspacer,' Pearl Jam
'Mojo,' Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
'Le Noise,' Neil Young
Who Will Win: 'Le Noise,' Neil Young
Who Should Win: 'Le Noise,' Neil Young
The Details: Regardless of the album's worthiness (and it is quite worthy), this is a chance for the Academy to right a wrong for never bestowing a music Grammy on an artist who has been singular in releasing high-quality albums for more than 40 years. Consider it the music equivalent of Martin Scorsese winning the Oscar he should have won for 'Raging Bull' or 'Goodfellas' for 'The Departed' in 2006.
Getty Images I WireImage
The Nominees Are:
'The Suburbs,' Arcade Fire
'Infinite Arms,' Band of Horses
Listen to Band of Horses' 'Infinite Arms' Free
'Brothers,' The Black Keys
'Broken Bells,' Broken Bells
'Contra,' Vampire Weekend
Who Will Win: 'The Suburbs,' Arcade Fire
Who Should Win: 'Brothers,' The Black Keys
The Details: Despite the Black Keys' ubiquity in 2010, Arcade Fire will probably take home Grammy gold. Not only will the Canadian contingent show up big this year, but I also think that they're the safe "we get it" bet. For their third album, and arguably their masterpiece, they're not a bad choice. But when you consider how inescapable the Black Keys were this year, I think they deserve the crown. They exude no pretension and have translated their version of blues rock into something simultaneously legitimately freaking awesome and super-accessible.
'The Suburbs,' Arcade Fire
'Infinite Arms,' Band of Horses
Listen to Band of Horses' 'Infinite Arms' Free
'Brothers,' The Black Keys
'Broken Bells,' Broken Bells
'Contra,' Vampire Weekend
Who Will Win: 'The Suburbs,' Arcade Fire
Who Should Win: 'Brothers,' The Black Keys
The Details: Despite the Black Keys' ubiquity in 2010, Arcade Fire will probably take home Grammy gold. Not only will the Canadian contingent show up big this year, but I also think that they're the safe "we get it" bet. For their third album, and arguably their masterpiece, they're not a bad choice. But when you consider how inescapable the Black Keys were this year, I think they deserve the crown. They exude no pretension and have translated their version of blues rock into something simultaneously legitimately freaking awesome and super-accessible.
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The Nominees Are:
'Bittersweet,' Fantasia
'Finding My Way Back,' Jaheim
'Second Chance,' El DeBarge
'Shine,' John Legend & the Roots
'Why Would You Stay,' Kem
Who Will Win: 'Bittersweet,' Fantasia
Who Should Win: 'Bittersweet,' Fantasia
The Details: This is a tough one, but Fantasia's 'Bittersweet' has a great shot at taking this category. Compared to the other nominated tracks, 'Bittersweet' fared the best on the charts and peaked at No. 7 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Billboard charts.
'Bittersweet,' Fantasia
'Finding My Way Back,' Jaheim
'Second Chance,' El DeBarge
'Shine,' John Legend & the Roots
'Why Would You Stay,' Kem
Who Will Win: 'Bittersweet,' Fantasia
Who Should Win: 'Bittersweet,' Fantasia
The Details: This is a tough one, but Fantasia's 'Bittersweet' has a great shot at taking this category. Compared to the other nominated tracks, 'Bittersweet' fared the best on the charts and peaked at No. 7 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Billboard charts.
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Best R&B Album
As Predicted by Tracey Ford, The Boombox
The Nominees Are:
'The Love & War Masterpeace,' Raheem DeVaughn
'Back To Me,' Fantasia
'Another Round,' Jaheim
'Wake Up!,' John Legend & the Roots
'Still Standing,' Monica
Who Will Win: 'Wake Up!,' John Legend & the Roots
Who Should Win: 'Wake Up!,' John Legend & the Roots
The Details: The Grammy academy loves John Legend, so expect to see 'Wake Up!' take the Grammy for Best R&B Album. Production-wise, the project stands out the most from the competition.
'The Love & War Masterpeace,' Raheem DeVaughn
'Back To Me,' Fantasia
'Another Round,' Jaheim
'Wake Up!,' John Legend & the Roots
'Still Standing,' Monica
Who Will Win: 'Wake Up!,' John Legend & the Roots
Who Should Win: 'Wake Up!,' John Legend & the Roots
The Details: The Grammy academy loves John Legend, so expect to see 'Wake Up!' take the Grammy for Best R&B Album. Production-wise, the project stands out the most from the competition.
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Best Rap Song
As Predicted by Tracey Ford, The Boombox
The Nominees Are:
'Empire State Of Mind,' Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
'Love the Way You Lie,' Eminem & Rihanna
'Not Afraid,' Eminem
'Nothin' on You,' B.o.B & Bruno Mars
'On to the Next One,' Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz
Who Will Win: 'Love the Way You Lie,' Eminem & Rihanna
Who Should Win: 'Empire State Of Mind,' Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
The Details: This editor is rooting for 'Empire State of Mind,' but don't be surprised if 'Love the Way You Lie' takes home the award for Best Rap Song. Eminem had a huge year and 'Love the Way You Lie' topped the charts for seven consecutive weeks.
'Empire State Of Mind,' Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
'Love the Way You Lie,' Eminem & Rihanna
'Not Afraid,' Eminem
'Nothin' on You,' B.o.B & Bruno Mars
'On to the Next One,' Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz
Who Will Win: 'Love the Way You Lie,' Eminem & Rihanna
Who Should Win: 'Empire State Of Mind,' Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
The Details: This editor is rooting for 'Empire State of Mind,' but don't be surprised if 'Love the Way You Lie' takes home the award for Best Rap Song. Eminem had a huge year and 'Love the Way You Lie' topped the charts for seven consecutive weeks.
WireImage (2)
Best Rap Album
As Predicted by Tracey Ford, The Boombox
The Nominees Are:
'The Adventures of Bobby Ray,' B.o.B
'Thank Me Later,' Drake
'Recovery,' Eminem
'The Blueprint 3,' Jay-Z
'How I Got Over,' The Roots
Who Will Win: 'Recovery,' Eminem
Who Should Win: 'The Blueprint 3,' Jay-Z
The Details: 'Recovery' seems to be the shoo-in, so there's little doubt there will be any surprises here. If there were to be an upset, 'The Adventures of Bobby Ray' would be the album that turns things on its head.
'The Adventures of Bobby Ray,' B.o.B
'Thank Me Later,' Drake
'Recovery,' Eminem
'The Blueprint 3,' Jay-Z
'How I Got Over,' The Roots
Who Will Win: 'Recovery,' Eminem
Who Should Win: 'The Blueprint 3,' Jay-Z
The Details: 'Recovery' seems to be the shoo-in, so there's little doubt there will be any surprises here. If there were to be an upset, 'The Adventures of Bobby Ray' would be the album that turns things on its head.
WireImage (2)
The Nominees Are:
'The Breath You Take,' George Strait 'Free,' Zac Brown Band
'The House That Built Me,' Miranda Lambert
'I'd Love to Be Your Last,' Gretchen Wilson
'If I Die Young,' The Band Perry
'Need You Now,' Lady Antebellum
Who Will Win: 'The House That Built Me,' Miranda Lambert
Who Should Win: 'The House That Built Me,' Miranda Lambert
The Details: Though Lady Antebellum are also huge contenders in this category for their crossover hit, 'Need You Now,' the songwriters behind Lambert's poignant, tearjerking tune will triumph ... once again. 'The House That Built Me' won the Country Music Association trophy for Song of the Year, with its video also winning a CMA. It was the fastest-rising single of the Texas songbird's career and occupied the chart's penthouse for four straight weeks.
'The Breath You Take,' George Strait 'Free,' Zac Brown Band
'The House That Built Me,' Miranda Lambert
'I'd Love to Be Your Last,' Gretchen Wilson
'If I Die Young,' The Band Perry
'Need You Now,' Lady Antebellum
Who Will Win: 'The House That Built Me,' Miranda Lambert
Who Should Win: 'The House That Built Me,' Miranda Lambert
The Details: Though Lady Antebellum are also huge contenders in this category for their crossover hit, 'Need You Now,' the songwriters behind Lambert's poignant, tearjerking tune will triumph ... once again. 'The House That Built Me' won the Country Music Association trophy for Song of the Year, with its video also winning a CMA. It was the fastest-rising single of the Texas songbird's career and occupied the chart's penthouse for four straight weeks.
Getty Images I FilmMagic
Best Country Album
As Predicted by Beville Darden, The Boot
The Nominees Are:
'Up on the Ridge,' Dierks Bentley
'You Get What You Give,' Zac Brown Band
'The Guitar Song,' Jamey Johnson
'Need You Now,' Lady Antebellum
'Revolution,' Miranda Lambert
Who Will Win: 'Need You Now,' Lady Antebellum
Who Should Win: 'You Get What You Give,' Zac Brown Band
The Details: Kudos to the voters who decided these nominees, as all five albums deserve to win. But 2010 Best New Artist Grammy winners the Zac Brown Band have what is one of the most eclectic albums the genre has seen in a long time, with broad appeal and no filler. Lady Antebellum's sophomore project, however, is undeniable. Now certified triple-platinum, it was the best-selling country album of 2010 and has seen each of its singles hit the Top 3 on the charts, with the title track crossing over to also top the pop charts.
'Up on the Ridge,' Dierks Bentley
'You Get What You Give,' Zac Brown Band
'The Guitar Song,' Jamey Johnson
'Need You Now,' Lady Antebellum
'Revolution,' Miranda Lambert
Who Will Win: 'Need You Now,' Lady Antebellum
Who Should Win: 'You Get What You Give,' Zac Brown Band
The Details: Kudos to the voters who decided these nominees, as all five albums deserve to win. But 2010 Best New Artist Grammy winners the Zac Brown Band have what is one of the most eclectic albums the genre has seen in a long time, with broad appeal and no filler. Lady Antebellum's sophomore project, however, is undeniable. Now certified triple-platinum, it was the best-selling country album of 2010 and has seen each of its singles hit the Top 3 on the charts, with the title track crossing over to also top the pop charts.
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