KANYE & AMY LEAD GRAMMY NOMINATIONS

Nominations for the 50th Annual Grammy Awards were announced on Thursday by The Recording Academy reflecting one of the most diverse years ever, with the Album Of The Year category alone representing the country, hip-hop, jazz, pop and rock genres.

Kanye West topped the nominations with eight, Amy Winehouse garnered six, and the Foo Fighters, Jay-Z, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, and T-Pain each earned five nods.

Akon, Dierks Bentley, Chris Daughtry, Feist, Tim McGraw, John Newton, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, and Bruce Springsteen received four each.

Amy Winehouse, whose album Back to Black received rave reviews, has become a tabloid favourite thanks to her cancelling shows and drug addiction reportedly taking its toll on her performances and personal life. Nevertheless, she scooped nods in the key categories of Album Of The Year, Record Of The Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist.

The announcement event was held in Hollywood and was attended by international media, as well as key music industry executives.

Artists who helped announce the nominations included Akon, Fergie, Vince Gill, Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) Herbie Hancock, Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters) and Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park).

“This year’s nominations truly reflect a diverse and talented community of artists and creators who represent some of the most exceptional music of the year,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy.

The 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on Feb. 10, 2008, at Staples Center in Los Angeles.