Newcomers and
well-established stars nominated for Grammys

Mary J. Blige and Red Hot Chili Peppers are leading the Grammy nominations with eight and six, respectively, as announced Wednesday by the Recording Academy. This year's list of nominees covers vast array of genres and music industry experience. James Blunt, the Dixie Chicks, John Mayer, Danger Mouse, Prince, John Williams, the Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am, and Rick Rubin each earned five nominations. Beyonce, Gnarls Barkley, Israel Houghton, and Justin Timberlake, and rapper T.I. each were nominated in four categories.

Blige is nominated for Record of the Year with "Be Without You." Her competitors are James Blunt, the Dixie Chicks, Gnarls Barkley, and Corinne Bailey Rae. The soundtrack for Brokeback Mountain is up for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture, Television, or Other Visual Media. For a full list of nominees go to www.grammy.com.

The awards ceremony will air February 11 at 8 p.m. Eastern/Pacific on ABC. (The Advocate)