The nominations for the 2013 Grammy Awards were announced last night, and for once, the voting body honored a crop of artists who are both popular and critically acclaimed. It's a pretty amazing list with major nods for established acts like Jack White, Florence and the Machine, Kelly Clarkson, Kanye West, and Taylor Swift, as well as up-and-coming stars like Frank Ocean, who is a contender in three of the top categories.
Record of the Year
Album of the Year
Song of the Year
Nearly every category is competitive. It may be easy to predict who will likely go home with a statue, but the quality level is so high in the major categories that come show night, everyone will be biting their nails.
Best New Artist
Who doesn't love the possibility of Skrillex performing at the Grammys?
Best Dance Recording
Best Pop Solo Performance
Best Rap Performance
The "Alternative Music" category has a wonderful "island of misfit toys" flavor this year.
Best Alternative Music Album
Check out a complete list of nominees here.