Grammys Tune in to New Sounds

Established acts Bruce Springsteen, Eminem and Sheryl Crow will vie with newcomers Ashanti and Norah Jones for the top honours at the Grammys, it was announced today.

The nominations for the US's most prestigious music awards cover a huge range of musical styles - from the country and western trio Dixie Chicks to British dance act Groove Armada and Kylie Minogue - both nominated in a new dance music category.

Springsteen, Eminem, eight-time winner Crow, Ashanti, Nelly and Avril Lavigne are all tied for the lead with five Grammy nominations each. They are joined by Jones, the 23-year-old daughter of the Indian composer Ravi Shankar, who took the US by storm in 2002.

Eminem, who has already bagged five Grammy awards, is up for Record Of The Year, Best Male Rap Solo Performance and Best Short Form Music Video (Without Me), as well as Album Of The Year and Best Rap Album (for The Eminem Show).

Female artists lead the way in the Best New Artist category, with Ashanti, Michelle Branch, Jones and Lavigne recognised, along with John Mayer.

"This year's nominations reflect the diversity and eclecticism that make music our universal language," said Neil Portnow, President of the Recording Academy. "It's gratifying to see established artists share nods with up-and-comers across the board - all of whom represent some of the most remarkable music makers out there today."

Three new categories see the light of day this year - making an awe-inspiring 104 different fields in which musicians will compete. They are Best Contemporary R&B Album, Best Urban/Alternative Performance and Best Dance Recording.

The award ceremony will take place on Sunday, February 23 at New York's Madison Square Garden.