Blige Tops Grammy Nominees List
Fresh off her nine Billboard wins, Mary J. Blige does it again with a leading eight nominations for the 49th annual Grammy awards, announced Thursday in Hollywood.
Blige was well positioned for an album of the year nomination and a slew of other nods for her critically acclaimed album "The Breakthrough." Released last December, it was one of the best-selling albums of the year and a major comeback for the R&B veteran.
"That's a beautiful thing, that I'm still going," Blige, 35, told The Associated Press. "'The Breakthrough' is about triumph, about not being a victim, but being a victor. It's about loving yourself."
The Red Hot Chili Peppers' followed Blige with a total of six nominations including album of the year and rock album for "Stadium Arcadium" and best rock performance by a duo or group with vocal and best rock song for Dani California.
Newcomer James Blunt, who was also a presenter, received five nods, including best new artist, record of the year and song of the year for "You're Beautiful."
Blunt, Justin Timberlake, Ludacris, Corinne Bailey Rae, KT Tunstall, and Chris Brown were just a few of the artists who were on hand at the Music Box at Fonda theater for the announcement ceremony.
Timberlake received an album of the year nod for his second solo CD, "FutureSex/LoveSounds." The multiplatinum success generated two smash hits, including "SexyBack." He scored four nominations in all.
Photos: 2006 Billboard Awards
Photos: Billboard Red Carpet
Photos: American Music Awards
The Dixie Chicks received five nominations. After the controversy and boycotts that followed singer Natalie Maines' criticism of President Bush in 2003, the trio's album "Taking the Long Way," debuted at No. 1 on pop and country charts when it was released in May. The band's "Accidents & Accusations" tour has been one of the year's most successful.
"American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood, who was named female vocalist of the year at last month's Country Music Awards, scored a best new artist nod.
Underwood's album, "Some Hearts," is one of the top sellers of 2006, with 3.7 million copies sold.
Three new British artists were recipients of Grammy nominations this year: Blunt, Rae, whose eponymous debut was critically acclaimed, and Tunstall, who had a hit with the song "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree."
Blunt and Rae both received nominations for song of the year and record of the year.
The 49th Grammy Awards are scheduled to air live on CBS from Staples Center on Feb. 11.
For a list of selected nomineesclick here.