Grammy nominations show was a ladies' night

Despite the love directed at the industry's divas, there were some unexpected omissions, points out Billboard editorial director Bill Werde, who says he was surprised that Whitney Houston was overlooked. "The Grammy voters usually pay attention to the whole trajectory of a career," he says, adding that in this case, Houston's comeback album was not just good, but had a couple of what he considers great songs as well as being a remarkable return for a major artist.

Following are the nominees in the top four general categories.

Album of the Year:

I Am... Sasha Fierce (Beyoncé)

The E.N.D. (The Black Eyed Peas)

The Fame (Lady Gaga)

Big Whiskey and The GrooGrux King (Dave Matthews Band)

Fearless (Taylor Swift)

Record of the Year:

"Halo" (Beyoncé)

"I Gotta Feeling" (The Black Eyed Peas)

"Use Somebody" (Kings of Leon)

"Poker Face" (Lady Gaga)

"You Belong With Me" (Taylor Swift)

Song of the Year:

"Poker Face," Lady Gaga & RedOne, songwriters (Lady Gaga)

"Pretty Wings," Hod David & Musze, songwriters (Maxwell)

"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles, Terius Nash & Christopher Stewart, songwriters (Beyoncé)

"Use Somebody," Caleb Followill, Jared Followill, Matthew Followill & Nathan Followill, songwriters (Kings of Leon)

"You Belong With Me," Liz Rose & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)

Best New Artist:

Zac Brown Band

Keri Hilson

MGMT

Silversun Pickups

The Ting Tings

For a complete list of nominations, go to grammy.com.

The Grammys will be presented at the Staples Center on Jan. 31, 2010, and broadcast live on CBS.

• Staff writer Daniel B. Wood contributed to this report.

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