VEGAS GRAMMY NOMINEES COULD BRING HOME THE GOLD
Our entertainment capitol of the world was well represented when nominations for the 50th annual Grammy awards were announced. The soundtrack to the Cirque du Soleil The Beatles LOVE spectacular at the Mirage picked up two official nods.
Since opening in June 2006 to rave reviews, the Cirque production has been seen by over 1.3 million audience members to date. Legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin and his son, Giles, who worked with the entire archive of Beatles recordings, created the album that was nominated for “Best Surround Sound Album” and “Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, TV or other Visual Medium.”
New Caesars Palace headliner Bette Midler won a nomination for her Cool Yule record as “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.” In addition, hometown R&B songwriter and singer Ne-Yo has been nominated for his new album Because of You for “Best Male R&B Performance” and “Best Contemporary R&B Album.”
The former Las Vegas Academy scholar also got Grammy recognition for his duet with pop-princess Rihanna for their “Hate that I Love You” hit. It’s nominated for “Best R&B Performance” and “Best R&B Song.” Our hometown rockers Panic! At the Disco were recognized for their debut hit “A Fever You Cant Sweat Out” as “Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package.”
Beyonce, who will perform here at Mandalay Bay on December 30 and the same night will open the new 40/40 Club at the Palazzo with fiancée, Jay Z, was nominated for “Record of the Year” for Irreplaceable.
Jay Z, who is featured on Rihanna’s Umbrella, which is also nominated in the same category, also could win “Best Rap Album” for his Kingdom Come!
Kanye West, who will perform here on New Year’s Eve at the Palms, led with eight nominations including Graduation for “ Best Rap Album” and “Album of the Year.” This year’s show will be broadcast February 10 on CBS–TV from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.