1. Record of the Year
James Blunt's "You're Beautiful." This one-hit wonder is up against the works of prolific musicians like the Dixie Chicks and Mary J. Blige.
2. Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals
Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder's collaboration of "For Once in My Life" is alongside new-age pop vocals Nelly Furtado and Timbaland for their duet "Promiscuous." In a nomination group full of young pop stars, classic Bennett seems out of place.
3. Best Rap Solo Performance
In the rap category, nominee Missy Elliot seems to fall short when compared to fellow nominees like Lupe Fiasco and Mos Def.
4. Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
With R&B legends like Prince and Luther Vandross, young pop singer Ne-Yo seems out of place in the group of innovative musicians.
5. Best Pop Vocal Album
Elvis Costello is a legend among musicians; however, his traditional folk-rock seems strange pitted against nominees like Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera.
Reach the reporter at: megan.m.salisbury@asu.edu.
