Avril Lavigne, John Mayer, and Nelly announce 2003 Grammy nominations
Photo: MTV News

When nominations for the 45th annual Grammy Awards were announced Tuesday morning, reactions ranged from sincere congratulations to "What were they thinking?" (Click here for the list of nominees.)

Few readers writing to MTVNews.com's You Tell Us forum had sour sentiments about demure Norah Jones, the jazz-influenced singer/pianist who's got a chance to sweep the four biggest categories — Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Best New Artist (see "Eminem, Avril Lavigne, Nelly, Norah Jones Nab Most Grammy Noms"). Jones is also among the eight artists who garnered five nominations. (Click for photos of this year's Grammy nominees.)

"I'm sooo happy for [Norah Jones]," wrote 18-year-old Lexi, from Seattle. "I know many people haven't heard her music, but those who have know how great it is. Big ups to the critics for giving this girl the credit she deserves."

Jones' Come Away With Me faces stiff competition from The Rising, Bruce Springsteen's return to form, and, to a lesser extent, The Eminem Show. Although the mainstream seems to have embraced the volatile rapper, with hardly a protest over his third major-label album or his fictionalized biopic "8 Mile," the Grammys might not be ready to bestow such a prestigious honor to a man who had a hit with a song that talks about killing the mother of his child and stuffing her in a trunk.

Then again, Eminem already has five golden gramophones in his trophy case (though none in the big four categories), and the Recording Academy did grant an Album of the Year Grammy to Steely Dan in 2001, for Two Against Nature, which featured the song "Cousin Dupree," about incest. But old guards like Donald Fagen and Walter Becker have always had Grammy odds in their favor, which is why Springsteen stands such a good shot. And even if The Eminem Show doesn't win for Album of the Year and "Without Me" doesn't lay claim to Record of the Year, Eminem is likely to make good on at least one of his other three nominations.

While Jones stands as the artist with the smallest presence at radio compared with fellow new-artist nominees R&B songbird Ashanti, singer/songwriter Michelle Branch, sensitive guy John Mayer and pop-rocker Avril Lavigne, most of you think the latter stands as her fiercest competition.

"I think Avril Lavigne definitely deserves Best New Artist," wrote 14-year-old Ashley of Thief River Falls, Minnesota. "She's worked so hard and accomplished so much this year."

"There is no doubt that Avril Lavigne should win Best New Artist," echoed 14-year-old Danielle, from Somerset, New Jersey. "She writes her own music, had three top 40 songs in 2002, sold over 4 million copies of her debut, Let Go, and hates Britney Spears. What more could you want in a Best New Artist?"

While statistics may garner gold records, they don't necessarily translate to a Grammy. Awards are (theoretically) doled out to those who demonstrate genuine artistry in their work. And that's Avril Lavigne, isn't it?

"Avril has no business being nominated for as much as she was," disagreed 19-year-old Andrea. "As far as music and creativity go, Britney is more creative — and you know that's a stretch, especially since Britney is nothing but manufactured bubble gum. Avril may have had something going with her and her ties but let's face it, MTV, that's all she has had."

After yesterday's announcement of the nominations, Lavigne has a lot more attached to her, namely a monumental mistake when she mispronounced David Bowie's last name. When reading the list of artists up for the Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, she mispronounced Bowie as "bow-wie" (rhymes with oh, wowee!). An unnerving hush immediately enveloped Madison Square Garden.

"Am I the only person who realizes what a poser Avril Lavigne is?" queried 22-year-old Kim, from Denver. "First of all, she botched the pronunciation of David Bowie, one of the most influential musicians of our time. ... Does Avril know anything about music? ... My point is, although everyone seems to be touting Avril Lavigne as some new prodigy, the fact is that she is not a true musician or artist and is just as fake and untalented as Britney Spears."

And here we thought Avril was the anti-Britney.

While Mayer's the only guy among the gals in the Best New Artist pack, his fans warn not to count him out just because he's outnumbered.

"John Mayer deserves to win the Grammy for Best New Artist," declared 18-year-old Tiffany Johnson, from Austin, Texas. "He is just on a different level from the rest of the nominees. The guy is brilliant."

Nelly, who's up for Album of the Year, Best Male Rap Solo Performance and Best Rap Album honors, among others, is feeling the brunt of haters. For the nearly 5 million copies of Nellyville sold, the St. Louis rapper seems to have just as many, if not more, detractors.

"I want to know what the Grammy folks see in Nelly," demanded 19-year-old Jason Curtis of Seattle. "Everyone is hypnotized by his so-called 'skills,' which are by no means good. As far as I'm concerned, Nelly doesn't deserve a Grammy."

It wasn't all trash talk directed at the St. Louis rapper, however. Many have their fingers crossed that the Band-Aid bearing MC will leave with even more gold than he came in with.

"I'm really anticipating seeing Nelly take home the Grammy for best album," wrote 14-year-old Linzi, from Sandusky, Michigan. "I mean, his music is totally hot, and I'm pretty sure that I don't know anyone who isn't into Nelly."

Linzi, meet 21-year-old James, from New Haven, Connecticut.

"It is clear once again that the awards honor what is popular, not what is good," James began. "Nelly has sunk so far down in the talent pool that he's left rapping about sneakers and some sort of heat wave that has apparently swept Nellyville. Talk about meaningless music. Seriously, if it's that hot in 'herre,' then drink a glass of water. Don't make a freakin' song about it."

Fellow hip-hopper Petey Pablo, up for Best Rap Album with Diary of a Sinner: 1st Entry, faced some harsh reactions, with fellow nominee Mystikal also catching some heat.

"I am very upset to see that Pete Pablo has been nominated for Best Rap Album," expressed 25-year-old Curtis, from Tallahassee, Florida. "Also, Mystikal's Tarantula album was very disappointing. How come someone like Trick Daddy or Cee-Lo never gets nominated? He is pure trash, and I understand why people like Jay-Z protest the Grammys. If we want to make it mainstream for all these old white people, let's nominate Will Smith. Even though his album sold probably 200 copies, he does not curse."

Such outrage over those who were nominated couldn't rival the furor over those who were left out: uber-producers the Neptunes and anyone from the neo-garage school, such as the Hives, the Vines, the Strokes or the White Stripes.

"How did Dr. Dre get nominated in the Producer of the Year category, while the Neptunes were ignored?" wondered Venni, 18, from Blacksburg, Virginia. "Dre didn't do anything in 2002. Every single song on the radio was produced by the Neptunes."

OK, Venni may be exaggerating a bit, though Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo are responsible for Justin Timberlake's "Like I Love You," Nelly's "Hot in Herre" and Mystikal's "Bouncin' Back (Bumpin' Me Against the Wall)," all of which are Grammy-nominated.

"I'm surprised the new 'the' bands didn't get major nods," typed an aghast CJ, 18, from Newmarket, New Hampshire. "I'm sad that the White Stripes were shafted, when overrated Avril Lavigne gets all the credit. Well, the Grammys are pretty lame either way."

If the nominations aroused such fervent feelings in these folks, they'd better be prepared for the shock of February 23. While some surprises can be expected with the nods, utter jaw-droppers like the over-the-hill Jethro Tull winning for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance in 1988 are unmatched.

Stay tuned and stay calm.

For a look back at previous big Grammy winners, red carpet photos and much more, visit our Grammy News Archive.

• Eminem
• Norah Jones
• Nelly
• Dixie Chicks
• Bruce Springsteen

Christina Aguilera
Photo: Interscope

Outkast, Bob Dylan and the ladies behind the hit "Lady Marmalade" remake have been added to the list of performers for next week's Grammy Awards ceremony.

Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya, Pink and Missy Elliott are scheduled to perform their "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack contribution, "Lady Marmalade," which is nominated for the Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals Grammy, according to a spokesperson for the Recording Academy.

Joshua Bell, who will compete for Best Classical Crossover Album with Bernstein: West Side Story Suite, will also perform at the 44th annual awards show on February 27 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Previously announced performers include U2, 'NSYNC with Nelly, Alicia Keys, Alejandro Sanz with Destiny's Child, Dave Matthews Band, Train, Alan Jackson and a tribute to the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack (see "Nelly To Ride Wit' 'NSYNC At Grammys; DMB Also Performing").

Ja Rule, Bonnie Raitt and Michael W. Smith have been added to the list of presenters that includes Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, Gwen Stefani, Kid Rock and others. More presenters will be announced, according to the spokesperson.

Outkast, one of the leading nominees this year, are up for Album of the Year and Best Rap Album for Stankonia and Record of the Year, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group and Best Short Form Video for "Ms. Jackson."

Dylan, a seven-time Grammy winner, is nominated in three categories: Album of the Year and Best Contemporary Folk Album for Love and Theft, and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for "Honest With Me."

Elliott's "Get Ur Freak On" will compete in the Best Rap Solo Performance and Best R&B Song categories, while her "One Minute Man" collaboration with Ludacris will vie for Best Short Form Music Video.

Aguilera will have two chances at the Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals Grammy, "Lady Marmalade" and her duet with Ricky Martin, "Nobody Wants to Be Lonely."

Ja Rule is nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best Rap Album.

Comedian Jon Stewart will host the Grammys, which will be broadcast on CBS at 8 p.m.

Stick with MTV News for complete coverage when the Grammys are handed out on February 27. You can catch the action live from the red carpet on "Backstage at the Grammys" beginning at 7 p.m. (ET) on MTV, and get up-to-the-minute news and reaction from the stars on MTVNews.com throughout the night.

For more Grammy news, check out the MTV News Grammy Archive.

• OutKast
• Bob Dylan
• Christina Aguilera
• Maya
• P!nk

Bonnie Raitt
Photo: VH1

Longtime political activist Bonnie Raitt reportedly pleaded guilty earlier this week to charges that she trespassed during a July protest against a wood products company.

The singer and 16 other members of the Rainforest Action Network were arrested on July 25 in Itasca, Illinois, after they refused to leave the parking lot of Boise Cascade Office Products (see "Bonnie Raitt Arrested For Protesting Outside Office Products Company"). All were charged with disorderly conduct, though they negotiated a deal to plead guilty to trespassing charges, which carried a $150 fine and 90 days of court supervision, according to the Associated Press.

"I hoped to bring attention to the right all Americans have to peacefully express their opinion in the form of civil disobedience," Raitt told the news service. "We exercised our right in a peaceful way."

The group accused the company of logging old-growth timber, but the company told the AP that it gets less than 3 percent of its timber from such sources.

• Bonnie Raitt

Bonnie Raitt
Photo: VH1

Bonnie Raitt's career has been on the ascent ever since 1989, when the nine-time Grammy winner released the widely acclaimed Nick of Time. So it's unclear what dark clouds may have inspired her to title her 16th album Silver Lining, although it's certainly appropriate for these darkened times.

Raitt is at work on the disc with the production team of Tchad Blake and Mitchell Froom, who co-produced Raitt's 1998 Fundamental, as well as records by Crowded House, Ron Sexsmith and others. She plans to release the album early next year.

On October 23, Raitt will release her 1995 all-star concert film "Road Tested" on DVD. The show — recorded at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, California, while Raitt was touring for her 1994 album, Longing in Their Hearts — featured guest performances by Bryan Adams, Jackson Browne, Bruce Hornsby, Kim Wilson, Ruth Brown and Charles Brown.

Highlights include Raitt and Browne dueting on "My Opening Farewell," Hornsby sitting in on piano for "I Can't Make You Love Me" and Adams kicking out the jams with Raitt on "Rock Steady," the single he wrote for the event.

"Road Tested" was a PBS special shortly after it was shot. The performance was also released as a 22-song double-CD.

• Bonnie Raitt

Bonnie Raitt
Photo: VH1

Disney's bluegrass-twangin' Country Bear Jamboree is getting a makeover with the help of Don Henley, Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, John Hiatt and others who will contribute to "The Country Bears," scheduled for summer 2002 release.

As with the recent releases "Shrek" and "Cats and Dogs," the live-action film aims at both children and adults and was described by a Disney publicist as "'Almost Famous,' but with bears." In fact, the tour bus used in the film is the same one seen in Cameron Crowe's feature.

In the Bears movie, which is being shot with high-tech animatronics designed by the Jim Henson Company, the Country Bear Jamboree reunite after unsuccessful careers (wedding singer, marriage counselor, hockey mascot) to prevent the evil Reed Thimble (played by Christopher Walken) from destroying the legendary venue Country Hall. Obstacles arising along the way include management hassles and Zeb Zoober Bear's honey addiction.

The bears no longer play in a hokey country band thanks largely to Hiatt, who penned four new country-rock songs for the fuzzy critters to sing. "Can Love Stand the Test" is a duet featuring Henley and Raitt, who command the singing voices of Don Tennessee O'Neal Bear and Trixie St. Claire Bear, respectively. Henley and Raitt also appear in the audience as themselves during the bar scene that includes their song. In addition, Willie Nelson appears as himself and Elton John plays a gardener.

Hiatt and E. G. Daily each sing versions of Hiatt's "Where Nobody Knows My Name," and Hiatt performs a cheesy lounge version of Tom Jones' "It's Not Unusual." Tom Petty guitarist Mike Campbell plays on the Hiatt song "Straight to the Heart of Love," which features vocals by Henley, Raitt and Colin Hay.

Bela Fleck wrote an instrumental track for the film.

Disney plans to add other songs to the movie, according to the publicist, and may recruit several well-known rock performers to write. Glynn Johns, who has worked with stars such as the Rolling Stones, the Who, Eric Clapton and the Eagles, will produce songs for the soundtrack album.

Actors appearing in the film include Charles S. Dutton, Haley Joel Osment, Brad Garrett, Stephen Root and Richard Kind.

To promote the movie, Disney plans to film a "Behind the Music"-style mockumentary called "Off the Record," which will feature tribute sound bites by Wyclef Jean, Xzibit and others.

• Bonnie Raitt

Bonnie Raitt
Photo: Vh1

Bonnie Raitt is giving environmentalists something to talk about.

The singer was among 20 activists, including former Doors drummer John Densmore, who were arrested on Wednesday for holding a sit-in outside an office products company in the Chicago suburb of Itasca, according to Reuters.

Raitt and the others were demonstrating against the logging practices of Boise Cascade Office Products. They were handcuffed and charged with disorderly conduct. The activists were released later Wednesday from the city jail and face a small fine.

The sit-in was organized by the Rainforest Action Network, which has publicly fought with Boise Cascade for more than a year, according to Reuters.

"We believe that Boise Cascade Corporation, their old-growth logging operation and their trading of old-growth around the world makes them an American disgrace," RAN executive director Chris Hatch told protesters before the demonstration. "Their operations are barbaric and their anti-environment campaigns, their efforts to stifle free speech are a disgrace to America."

Boise Cascade spokesperson Michael Moser told Reuters the company has met with RAN three times and is continuing efforts to reduce the amount of old-growth forests used in its timber production.

Last month, Raitt played a 90-minute concert for inmates of California's San Quentin State Prison (see "Bonnie Raitt Plays San Quentin").

• Bonnie Raitt

Bonnie Raitt
Photo: VH1

Bonnie Raitt followed in the footsteps of Johnny Cash on Saturday, playing for inmates of California's San Quentin State Prison.

Raitt gave a 90-minute concert of hits and blues standards and talked about her struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, according to her label publicist. Bluesman Keb' Mo' opened the show.

The concert took place in front of about 2,000 inmates. Raitt's first show inside prison walls resulted from her association with Bread and Roses, a San Francisco-area organization that brings performers to inmates and recovering addicts.

Raitt, who's been sober for 14 years, told the Associated Press that she views performances like the one at San Quentin as part of her efforts to stay clean. "Music and talking about my sobriety are the same expression of who I am," Raitt said. "I'm just struggling every day to get it right." Cash released the classic live recording Johnny Cash at San Quentin in 1969.

• Bonnie Raitt

John Lee Hooker
Photo: Anton Corbijn

Blues patriarch John Lee Hooker may have been known for his one-chord guitar playing, but that was enough to inspire countless musicians to get their boogie on. "He was timeless, he was priceless and he was precious," Hooker's close friend George Thorogood said backstage before a show in London on Friday night. "And I won't say the world is a little colder now — I'll just say that heaven is a little warmer." Thorogood, who met Hooker in 1971, had a radio hit in 1977 with the Boogie Man's "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer." He dedicated Friday's show at Shepherd's Bush Empire to his friend.

One of the last links to the original Delta bluesmen, Hooker died in his sleep at age 83 in his Los Altos, California, home on Thursday, just days after giving his final performance in nearby Santa Rosa (see "Legendary Bluesman John Lee Hooker Dead at 83").

"I know I've lost a good friend, and the world has lost a great talent," B.B. King said in a statement. "He was the best at what he did." Hooker, known for his hypnotic grooves and deep growl, estimated he recorded more than 100 albums since cutting his first single, "Boogie Chillen," in 1948. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2000 Grammys. Among the scores of musicians who have cited Hooker as an influence or have covered his songs are the Rolling Stones, the Animals, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Led Zeppelin, Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt and Ben Harper.

"When I was a child, he was the first circus I wanted to run away with," Santana said in a statement.

Bassist Billy Blough of Thorogood's backing group, the Destroyers, said Hooker is "probably the reason for this band's existence." Born in August 1917 near Clarksdale, Mississippi, Hooker was one of 11 children. He began singing spiritual music at a young age, but he credited his stepfather, William Moore, with fueling his love for blues by teaching him guitar. After stints in Memphis and Cincinnati, he eventually made his way to Detroit and began building a reputation in the Motor City's blues scene. His popularity soared during the 1950s blues revival with such hits as "Boom Boom" and "Dimples." "What a loss to the blues world, and how sad having known him so well and for so long," British blues pioneer John Mayall said in a statement. "He's always been one of the foundation stones in my blues roster of influences, and I'll miss him." Mayall's Bluesbreakers were hired as Hooker's backing band for a summer 1964 tour, and Hooker appeared on Mayall's 1999 release, Padlock on the Blues. He helped pass on Hooker's mojo by influencing such artists as Clapton and Mick Taylor as well as Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, who went on to form Fleetwood Mac.

In the '60s, Hooker won over folk fans by switching to a solo acoustic format, while rock acts like the Stones proclaimed him as an influence.

Though blues' popularity declined, Hooker continued play live, write music and record throughout the '70s, '80s and '90s. His final studio album was 1997's Don't Look Back. "Any [musician] who has been doing his own thing for so long to the point where you have so much respect for them, you almost want to be them," former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash said. "The real traditional, down-home blues guitar playing has always been a huge influence on me and countless other guitar players. You could talk to anyone from Eddie Van Halen to Eric Clapton and they'll tell you that." Hooker made a comeback with 1989's The Healer, featuring guest appearances from Santana, Los Lobos and Robert Cray. The album's duet with Bonnie Raitt on "I'm in the Mood" earned him his first Grammy Award.

"I'm deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend and one of the last and greatest of the original Delta bluesmen," Raitt said in a statement Thursday. "John Lee's power and influence in the world of rock, R&B, jazz and blues are a legacy that will never die. Getting to know him and work with him these last 30 years has truly been one of the greatest joys of my life. I'm so very grateful to have known him and know that he went not in pain, truly loved and appreciated the world 'round." Cray, who is credited with helping revive the blues in the '80s, said, "I loved John Lee, and I'll never forget him. In my mind right now, all I can see is John Lee surrounded by people who love him." "A few years back, we lost a lot of great players, like my dad, Johnny Copeland, and Luther Allison," said Shemekia Copeland, who released her acclaimed second album, Wicked, last year. "They were younger, but you just kind of expected John Lee Hooker to live forever." Even with the passing of one of its greatest stars, the blues flame burns bright, with artists like Kenny Wayne Shepherd carrying the torch.

"I was only fortunate enough to meet John Lee Hooker once, but I've listened to his music my whole life," the 24-year-old Shepherd said Friday in a statement. "He lived the hard life when he was young, and it made his music as real as it gets. His impact on blues and rock and roll will always be huge, and everyone who plays and sings should thank him every day for what he gave us." Memorial services for Hooker were still being finalized at press time. A private funeral will likely be held on Wednesday, with a possible public service to follow a few days later, according to Hooker's management office.

• John Lee Hooker
• B.B. King
• George Thorogood
• Santana
• John Mayall

45th Annual Grammy Award Nominees, Presenters, And Performers

• Ashanti
• Norah Jones
• Avril Lavigne
• John Mayer
• Nelly