Will.i.am, Busta Rhymes, T.I., Gnarls Barkley, Missy Elliott, Eminem, Lupe Fiasco and others are up for awards during the 49th Annual Grammy Awards, which take place Feb. 11 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The nominations for the Grammy Awards were announced yesterday (Dec. 7) at The Music Box @ Fonda in Hollywood, with celebrities as Chris Brown, Ludacris, James Blunt, Evanescence’s Amy Lee and Mary J. Blige in attendance.

Blige’s album The Breakthrough led all nominees with eight nods including Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Album, Song Of The Year and others.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers earned six, while James Blunt, the Dixie Chicks, John Mayer, Danger Mouse, Prince, Rick Rubin, will.i.am and John Williams were each nominated a total of five times.

T.I., Beyoncé, Gnarls Barkley and Justin Timberlake each earned a respectable four nominations.

“These nominations truly reflect a diverse and vibrant community of music makers and creators who represent some of the most remarkable music of the year,” said Neil Portnow, President of The Recording Academy. “Once again, the Grammy Awards process has delivered a well-rounded group of excellent nominees, which promises music lovers a spectacular show filled with dynamic performances and “Grammy Moments” that can only be seen on the Grammy Awards telecast.”

Gnarls Barkley’s album St. Elsewhere will compete for the coveted Album Of The Year Award against The Dixie Chicks (Taking The Long Way), John Mayer (Continuum) the Red Hot Chili Peppers (Stadium Arcadium) and Justin Timberlake (FutureSex/LoveSounds).

The 49th Annual Grammy Awards will be broadcast live from the Staples Center on February 11 from 8 – 11:30 p.m. on CBS.

Nolan Strong