Grammy Predictions: fun.? Frank Ocean? Black Keys?

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NEW ARTIST: Alabama Shakes; fun.; Hunter Hayes; The Lumineers; Frank Ocean.

TALBOTT: This is an especially strong group. You could envision each of these acts still at it 15 years from now. The category has been full of pleasant upsets over the last few years, but there will be nothing surprising about this year’s winner because these are turning out to be the Frank Ocean Grammys.

FEKADU: Does anyone seriously think an R&B singer who revealed that his first love was a man _ who also produces for top hip-hop acts and who is a talented singer-songwriter with one of last year’s best albums _ wouldn’t win this?

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POP SOLO PERFORMANCE: “Set Fire to the Rain (Live),” Adele; “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” Kelly Clarkson; “Call Me Maybe,” Carly Rae Jepsen; “Wide Awake,” Katy Perry; “Where Have You Been,” Rihanna.

FEKADU: Adele: All day. Every day.

TALBOTT: Enough said.

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ROCK PERFORMANCE: “Hold On,” Alabama Shakes; “Lonely Boy,” The Black Keys; “Charlie Brown,” Coldplay; “I Will Wait,” Mumford & Sons; “We Take Care of Our Own,” Bruce Springsteen.

TALBOTT: One of the more surprising things about this year’s list was that Bruce Springsteen didn’t get more nominations for the well-received album “Wrecking Ball” and its anthemic theme song. “Hold On” is a powerful statement of identity and “Lonely Boy” might be the most copied song nominated Sunday night. But in this case The Boss is in charge.

FEKADU: The Boss? False. “Lonely Boy” wins here.

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R&B SONG: “Adorn,” Miguel; “Beautiful Surprise,” Tamia; “Heart Attack,” Trey Songz; “Pray for Me,” Anthony Hamilton; “Refill,” Elle Varner.

FEKADU: Miguel: Congrats on your first Grammy win! Elle, Tamia, Anthony: Congrats on your nominations! Trey: Maybe it’s time to step outside the box.

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