WHO’S YOUR GRAMMY?

Well, the wait is over. The 43^rd annual Grammy nominees have been announced, and, as predicted, the big fight is once again in the Best Polka Album category, where "Another Day At The Office" by Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones is fighting tooth and nail for polka prominence with Jimmy Sturr's "Touched By A Polka."

In other nomination news, controversial rapper Eminem and his mentor Dr. Dre are up for a slew of awards—four for Slim Shady and five for his mentor—putting Dre and Eminem in two of the top four spots in terms of multiple nommies. Beyonce Knowles of Destiny's Child tied Dre with five, while country singer Lee Anne Womack also snagged four. Andre and Marshall are nominated together as collaborators on Eminem's "Marshall Mathers LP," which garnered an Album of the Year nomination, and also compete head-to-head in the Rap Album category. Dre goes against himself in the Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group category, with two tracks from his Aftermath/Interscope set "Dr. Dre 2001"—"Forgot About Dre" and "The Next Episode"—each getting a nod.

But unlike last year, there is no single artist—like, Santana, for instance—dominating the nominees. Macy Gray's "I Try" pulled down three nominations, besting NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye" by one. Foo Fighters grabbed two Rock nominations, and boxer Oscar De La Hoya will face off with Christina Aguilera, Luis Miguel, Alejandro Sanz and Shakira for Best Latin Pop honors.

Album of the Year nominees: Beck, "Midnite Vultures" (Interscope); Eminem, "The Marshall Mathers LP" (Interscope); Radiohead, "Kid A" (Capitol); Paul Simon, "You're the One" (Warner Bros.); and Steely Dan, "Two Against Nature" (Giant).

Record of the Year, which goes to the artist and producer, nominees: "Say My Name," Destiny's Child (Columbia); "I Try," Macy Gray (Clean Slate/Epic); "Music," Madonna (Maverick/Warner Bros.); "Bye Bye Bye," NSYNC (Jive); and "Beautiful Day," U2 (Interscope).

Song of the Year, which goes to songwriters, nominees: U2's "Beautiful Day," written by the band; Faith Hill's "Breathe," written by Stephaine Bentley and Holly Lamar; Lee Ann Womack's "I Hope You Dance," written by Mark D. Sanders and Tia Sellers; Macy Gray's "I Try," written by Gray, Jinsoo Lim, Jeremy Ruzumma and David Wilder; and Destiny's Child's "Say My Name," written by LeShawyn Daniels, Fred Jerkins III, Rodney Jerkins, Beyonce Knowles, LeToya Luckett, LaTavia Roberson and Kelendria Rowland.

Best New Artist: Shelby Lynne, Brad Paisley, Papa Roach, Jill Scott and Sisqo.

And HITS' own letter-turner and fearless editorial leader Bud Scoppa garnered a nomination for his liner notes to "Hotcakes & Outtakes: 30 Years Of Little Feat" (Warner Archives/Rhino). About his nomination, Scoppa said, "Me write goodly. Mmmm, words look funny." Scoppa will face stiff competition from fellow nominee Dr. Demento.

For a complete list of nominees, check out the official NARAS Web site.

The Awards will be broadcast on CBS, Wed. Feb. 21.