Mary J. Blige leads Grammy nominations

Singer Mary J. Blige leads the nominations for the Grammy Awards, announced Thursday morning in Los Angeles. Blige, a rhythm and blues artist, earned eight nominations for the music industry honors. Mike O'Sullivan has more from Los Angeles. The 35-year-old singer has already earned many music industry honors for her best-selling album The Breakthrough, and her eight Grammy nominations make her the top contender for the industry's highest honor. The cut "Be Without You" was nominated for song of the year. It was also nominated for record of the year. The Los Angeles rock band the Red Hot Chili Peppers earned six nominations, including album of the year and best rock album for their CD Stadium Arcadium. British singer-songwriter James Blunt earned five nominations, including record of the year for "You're Beautiful," a track from the album Back to Bedlam. Other multiple nominations went to the Dixie Chicks with their comeback album Taking the Long Way, which is up for album of the year. The Dixie Chicks earned a total of five Grammy nods. The rap-pop duo Gnarls Barkley earned four for their album St. Elsewhere and their single "Crazy." Justin Timberlake received four nominations, including best pop vocal album and album of the year for his solo CD FutureSex/LoveSounds. At the Thursday morning announcement, Timberlake named the nominees for best new artist. "The nominees are James Blunt, Chris Brown, Imogen Heap, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Carrie Underwood," he said. Soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae is another multiple nominee for her hit "Put Your Records On." Carrie Underwood is a nominee for best female country vocal performance for her song "Jesus, Take The Wheel." The 49th annual Grammy awards ceremony will be in Los Angeles February 11.