On The Download: Grammy Picks, Best New Artist

Access Hollywood

By Jeremy Blacklow

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- Best New Artist

The Nominees:
Adele
Duffy
The Jonas Brothers
Lady Antebellum
Jazmine Sullivan

VIEW THE PHOTOS: On The Download

Best New Artist is always one of the most fun Grammy categories, because it's so hard to define. The category has been around since 1960 and nominees are submitted based on "a new artist who releases, during the Eligibility Year, the first recording which establishes the public identity of the artist." Ya know, in other words, something really quantifiable!

Most fans will never forget 2001 when Shelby Lynne won for her 6th studio album after having been in the business for like, 27 years. Genius.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 2009 Grammy Nominees

Of course, past recent winners include a reputable who's who of the past decade, including: Amy Winehouse , Carrie Underwood , John Legend , Maroon 5, Evanescence, Norah Jones and Alicia Keys .

On to this year's nominees, and yes, I've now actually listened to all of their albums, so that I can be somewhat objective in this.

Adele and Duffy are going to cancel each other out. Unlike, Record Of the Year, which consists of all British nominees, in this case, these two similar sounding Brits will knock each other out of the running. Winehouse won this category last year, and many have accused Adele and Duffy of riding Amy's coattails of popularity with similar sounds.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Country Stars

That being said, Adele's album is a heckuva lot better than just her biggest single, "Chasing Pavements." Standout tracks include the slightly-buried-in-the-tracklisting "Cold Shoulder" and "Right As Rain." I still recommend this album, and highly so.

Most people have never heard of Jazmine Sullivan, and likely most Grammy voters likely haven't either. Her debut album, "Fearless," dropped in September just before the Grammy deadline for the year, although she never impacted big at radio. That being said, she's a Missy Elliott and Clive Davis protg who I expect to hear big things from in years to come. It's hard to categorize her sound. She sounds like the African-American Winehouse, with a sound that combines the '60s and present day. I love this album.

The Jonas Brothers actually have a great chance of winning this category. It's hard to find a band with more hype in the past year. That being said, their musical stylings are basic. They're teen heartthrobs. Still, that might just be enough.

Which leaves my final pick, country trio Lady Antebellum, whom I posted about earlier today in another column. Country acts have only won this category twice in the past decade (Lynne and Underwood) and I think it's time again. Country music fans actually VOTE for the Grammys - 14-year-old girls do not (sorry Jonai!). These guys and gal are the next Dixie Chicks and I think when we look back in years to come, their name will make sense amongst the list of past winners.

Should Win: Lady Antebellum

Will Win: Lady Antebellum

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MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: On The Download - Grammy Awards - Music - Jonas Brothers - Country Music