Goose's Predictions & Analysis
Record of the Year
Historically this one is just a crapshoot.  There is almost nothing that indicates any edge in this category.  Originally I thought Poker Face would be the winner, but I expect Gaga to sweep the Dance categories while Taylor won't do so well in Country.  Taylor inevitably will have a big year, so my prediction is You Belong With Me for Record of the Year, especially given that she had the biggest year of any artist, and Beyoncé, who had the 2nd biggest year, inexplicably has Halo nominated in this category instead of Singe Ladies.
Album of the Year
While Fearless is deservedly the head and heels favorite this year, Album of the Year always goes to an old veteran who has nothing to show for it.  I hence predict that the Dave Matthew's Band's Big Whiskey &The Groogrux King will win Album of the Year.  Its competition is Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Black Eyed Peas and Lady Gaga who are all contemporary superstars, and contemporary superstars don't win album of the year.
Song of the Year
This one usually goes to the "biggest" song. Â While You Belong With Me is a marginal favorite, I have to think Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it) wins because of its unfortunate transcendence through American culture this year. Â Not many songs can get the President dancing and if there were ever a "big" song, this one is it.
Best New Artist
This one usually goes to an up and coming female popstar, and the closest thing we have this year is Keri Hilson, but that being said MGMT are one of the most critically acclaimed bands to ever be nominated for this award. Â I have to think it's a close to a lock as this award possibly gets. Â The only way out is if they are considered too far from mainstream for the award, in which case Keri Hilson wins. Â Not much competition from The Ting Tings, Silversun Pickups or Zac Brown Band, whom are all very good in their own right.
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
This year belongs to Beyoncé and Taylor.  Halo was a better performance than You Belong With Me, so it wins here.
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
Love You, Maxwell
Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
I Gotta Feeling, Black Eyed PeasÂ
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Best Pop Collaboration With VocalsÂ
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Breathe, Taylor Swift & Colbie CaillatÂ
Best Pop Vocal Album
The E.N.D., Black Eyed PeasÂ
Best Dance Recording
I absolutely love this category with all five being international dance hits, but I don't see Poker Face not winning. Â It's biggest competition should come from Boom Boom Pow, but if B.E.P. win awards it will be for I Gotta Feelin.Â
Best Electronic/Dance Album
Again, five great albums but I think Lady Gaga will be redeemed here for her getting screwed out of the Best New Artist category. Â The Fame should win this one. Â One Love has the best chance of upset, I would think.
Best Rock SongÂ
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Use Somebody, Kings of LeonÂ
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Best Rock Album
Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King, Dave Matthews BandÂ
Best R&B SongÂ
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), BeyoncéÂ
Best R&B AlbumÂ
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BLACKsummers'night, MaxwellÂ
Best Contemporary R&B Album
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I Am... Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé KnowlesÂ
Best Rap Solo Performance
Best I Ever Had, Drake
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Run This Town, Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West
Best Rap Song
Run This Town, Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West
Best Rap Album
Universal Mind Control, CommonÂ
Best Country Song (1pt)
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People Are Crazy, Billy Currington
Best Country Album
Fearless, Taylor SwiftÂ
