Grammy Night Will Belong To U2, Keys

Up-And-Comer Will Share Stage With Daddies Of Rock

Michelle Solomon, Staff Writer

POSTED: 11:56 a.m. EST February 26, 2002

UPDATED: 12:47 p.m. EST February 27, 2002

Just last year, the Grammys were about a Detroit rapper named Eminem. But that was before Sept. 11.

This year, the Grammys are kinder and gentler. On one end of the spectrum is the do-good, Irish band U2 with eight Grammy nominations and a history of Grammy awards behind them. They've also been seen on every patriotic song parade from this year's Super Bowl to "A Tribute To Heroes."

On the flip side of the daddies of rock are young female superstars, including the super-popular Alicia Keys, who has six nominations for her first release, "Songs In A Minor," Canadian singer Nelly Furtado with four nominations, and in the '"Wow, how'd you get all those nominations?" India.Arie with seven for her debut, "Acoustic Soul."

India.Arie is nominated in the Album Of The Year category for "Acoustic Soul," but she's too much of an underdog to grab that brass ring. She could, however, break Lauryn Hill's record of five wins, the most wins by a female artist. India.Arie's seven nominations could move her ahead of Hill in the win category.

Meanwhile, the Grammys won't be without controversy this year. A boycott from a coalition fronted by the Eagles' Don Henley called the Recording Artist Coalition may get a share of the spotlight. On Grammy eve, they will present a concent in protest against what they say is unfair record company control of a artists' careers. Henley, Billy Joel, and Sheryl Crowe are expected to perform on Tuesday in a "Concerts For Artists Rights" presentation, just one of many concerts planned.

Henley's hopes are that the group can lobby Congress to make changes in the record industry's ability to have musicians engaged in long-term contracts.

"We simply want a place at the table," Henley said during an interview about the coalition.

Ironically, Joel is expected to perform the next night at the Grammys in a duet with Tony Bennett singing "New York State Of Mind."

Henley's coalition numbers about 140 artists who are signed mostly with major labels.

But when the curtain opens on Grammy Wednesday night, the evening will be about the music and about the artists who create it. In post Sept. 11-fashion, look for the night to be kinder and gentler. And listen for the announcer to get tired of saying "U2," "Alicia Keys," "U2," "Alicia Keys."

So who will take home Grammy (did we say U2 and Alicia Keys)? Here are my unscientific predictions in top categories, based on nothing but buzz:

Record of the Year:

"Walk On," U2

This category is all about how the song sounds as opposed to how it's written, which is what makes it different from Record of the Year. U2 will take home this Grammy because, well, it was a good year for U2 and "Walk On" will be the sentimental favorite.

Album of the Year:

"All That You Can't Leave Behind," U2

India.Arie is just too new to take this category. We'd love to see the legendary Dylan get it, too. A soundtrack winning Best Album? Never happen. While OutKast has a following, it's just not giant enough. Alas, it will be those Irish lads again. All those appearances and having the No. 1 grossing concert won't hurt U2 in this category.

Song of the Year (songwriter award):

"Fallin'," Alicia Keys, songwriter (Alicia Keys)

OK. She sings, she writes, and she's only 21. Her album has sold more than 4 million copies and "Fallin' " is one of the year's biggest hits. I'm going for Keys in this category. Although it's a 50-50 split between her and, you guessed it, U2.

Best New Artist:

Alicia Keys

Can you say Alicia Keys? End of story.

Female Pop Vocal Performance:

"I'm Like a Bird," Nelly Furtado

Nelly Furtado's song was catchy and I think I even heard it as Muzak the other day in a department store. And she does have all those nominations behind her. I'm going with our girl Nelly in this category.

Male Pop Vocal Performance:

"You Rock My World," Michael Jackson

He's weird, he's quirky, but we love him. My vote goes to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Unfortunately, I'm not sure he'll show up to claim his prize.