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Drama May Upstage Music At 50th Grammy Awards

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By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY, The Associated Press

Published: December 7, 2007

NEW YORK - Grammy night was shaping up as high drama after Kanye West and Amy Winehouse - two of music's most gifted and volatile performers - were nominated for a leading eight and six trophies respectively.

Other top nominees at the Los Angeles announcement included the Foo Fighters, whose five nominations included mentions for album and record of the year; Justin Timberlake, who also got five, including record of the year for "What Goes Around Comes Around"; Rihanna, who received four nominations, including record of the year for her ubiquitous "Umbrella" anthem; and jazz legend Herbie Hancock, who made it into the album of the year category for his Joni Mitchell tribute album.

"It's not a category you normally find a jazz artist," said a shocked Hancock.

But the king and queen of the day were West and Winehouse.

West's "Graduation" album, which was nominated for album of the year, marked a coronation for the rapper-producer when it was released in September, selling almost 1 million copies in its first week and crushing 50 Cent in a much hyped sales battle. West also had two big hits this year, "Stronger" and "Good Life."

West is well-known for his angry outbursts when snubbed at awards shows. This is the third time he has dominated Grammy nominations: In 2004, he received 10 for his debut album, "The College Dropout," and a year later got eight for "Late Registration." He lost each time in the major categories.

Winehouse had a tumultuous 2007. The British singer was already known for her pot-smoking, hard-drinking ways when she released her stunning soul album "Back to Black" this year. The album's top hit, "Rehab," a defiant anti-treatment anthem, earned her nods for record and single of the year.

Her hard living seemed behind her until reports of even harder partying became frequent and she canceled shows because of "health concerns."

Still, the Recording Academy looked past all her drama. In a statement, Winehouse said, "I'm grateful to have my music recognized with these nominations - this is a true validation from people I respect and admire."

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