SERIES, rapper, Eminem (aka Marshall Bruce Mathers III ) is set to bounce back to the top with this year’s Grammy Awards. He is topping the nominees’ list of the award’s shortlist while also leading the frontrow in Internet network discuss fora and gossip platforms on the 53th Grammy. This comes to music buffs as surprise as for two seasons before this, Eminem operated somewhat behind the frontrow.

The 38-year-old artiste who has 11 major carreer awards under his belt is running along with Katy for Album of the Year and for Record of the Year for his Love the Way You Lie, his collaborative work with Rihanna. His most recent album, Recovery, quickly achieved platinum status following its release in July 2010 (it is to-date the best-selling album of 2010). The Slim Shady star is also competing for Song of the Year, as well as in a host of rap categories. But he has the influential rap star, Jay-Z to contend with as the later may appeal to a wider range of voters.

Similarly, Alicia Keys’ ode to the ‘Big Apple,’ Empire State of Mind is in contention. Same as sensational pop queen, Lady Gaga, who is also in the running for Album of the Year with her The Fame Monster – follow-up to her break-out disc The Fame. Country music group, the trio Lady Antebellum were also nominated in the Album of the Year category for Need You Now, the second best-selling album of the year. Indie band The Arcade Fire rounds out the album of the year nominations with their third album, The Suburbs.



R&B star Bruno Mars, landed seven nominations, while multi-award-winning rapper Jay-Z, and country group Lady Antebellum picked up six nominations each.

Canadian pop sensation, Justin Bieber was rewarded with a best new artiste nomination. The Baby crooner, only 16-years-old yet, is fresh off winning four American Music Awards last month. He will compete for the coveted award alongside a fellow Canadian, the rapper Drake; two British bands, Florence and The Machine and Mumford and Sons; and jazz singer Esperanza Spalding.

The flambouyant act, Lady Gaga who will also be performing at the awards, her second consecutive year at the ceremony, is expected to perform her forthcoming album’s lead single, Born This Way, which happens to be slated for release on same date of the awards, February 13.

Arcade Fire and Miranda Lambert, who will also mount the stage are making their Grammy debuts as performers. Both are also nominated in the lead categories, with Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs up for album of the year and Miranda Lambert’s The House That Built Me vying for song of the year.

Also performing is Cee Lo Green who is up for four awards including record of the year and song of the year, and Katy Perry, up for album of the year. They have both performed at the Grammys before.

There is rumour that Britney Spears will be performing during the Grammy Awards telecast. Britney have denied. According to the President/CEO of The Recording Academy, Neil Portnow this year’s event is being packaged to beat last year’s big outing. Excerpt from his statement: “The 52nd yearly Grammy Awards was a dynamic, memorable evening, and it delivered our highest ratings since 2004 and the biggest year-over-year increase in more than 20 years.

“We have every intention of keeping that momentum going with this year’s show, and once again we are thrilled to be bringing the excellence and excitement of our Grammy Week events and charitable initiatives to the city of Los Angeles. We also look forward to working on another outstanding Grammy telecast with our partners and good friends at CBS and Staples Centre.”

From Jack Sussman, executive vice president, came: “The 53rd Grammy Awards will once again be event television with exciting and memorable performances that will entertain and engage our audience, specials, music and live events, CBS.

“We look forward to working with our partners at The Recording Academy to make Music’s Biggest Night an event that can’t be missed.”

The ceremony hold in Staples Centre, Los Angeles, United States of America.