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Grammy predictions. Pop categories

Older artists and new divas battle for pop prizes

Considering that all of the biggest selling albums of the year weren't exactly pop (Lil Wayne, Metallica, AC/DC), some may say it wasn't the best year for pop music. But then again, there's plenty of these songs that you probably had stuck in your head all year. That's what makes it "pop," right? Anyway, before the Feb. 2009 Grammys come up, here's who I think will win and should win in Pop music categories.

Best Pop Vocal Album

Sheryl Crow - Detours

Duffy - Rockferry

Eagles - Long Road Out Of Eden

Leona Lewis - Spirit

James Taylor - Covers

Who Will Win: Leona Lewis - Spirit

The keywords in this category is "vocal." And in the past year, there hasn't been a better vocalist emerge than Leona Lewis. She's got this one in the bag.

Who Should Win: Leona Lewis - Spirit

Sometimes, Grammy gets it right.

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals

Alicia Keys & John Mayer - "Lesson Learned" "

Madonna, Justin Timberlake & Timbaland - "4 Minutes"

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - "Rich Woman"

Rihanna & Maroon 5 - "If I Never See Your Face Again"

Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown - "No Air"

Who Will Win: Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown - "No Air"

Big pop hit with two hot artists. This collaboration has gotten the most exposure and airplay, and that counts for something.

Who Should Win: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - "Rich Woman"

It may not be pop, but this collaboration shows the amazing way these two musical icons complement each other. Considering it's more of a country album, it's surprising to see them in the category. They don't quite fit, so they won't quite win.

Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals

Coldplay - "Viva La Vida"

Eagles - "Waiting In The Weeds"

Gnarls Barkley - "Going On"

Maroon 5 - "Won't Go Home Without You"

OneRepublic - "Apologize"

Who Will Win: Coldplay - "Viva La Vida"

This was probably the band's most poppy song on their new album, and with the exception of OneRepublic (with their Coldplay-esque single), the other songs didn't make that much of a dent. Consider it a lock.

Who Should Win: Maroon 5 - "Won't Go Home Without You"

I don't have much logic on this one, instead of it's probably the most solid pop song in the group. But it's lack of airplay in comparison will hurt it.

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance

Adele - "Chasing Pavements"

Sara Bareilles - "Love Song"

Duffy - "Mercy"

Leona Lewis - "Bleeding Love"

Katy Perry- "I Kissed A Girl"

Pink - "So What"

Who Will Win: Leona Lewis - "Bleeding Love"

May not be the best song, but it's the best vocal in the group.

Who Should Win: Leona Lewis - "Bleeding Love"

If it's a vocal category, there's no use competing against her.

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance

Kid Rock - "All Summer Long"

John Mayer - "Say"

Paul McCartney - "That Was Me"

Jason Mraz - "I'm Yours"

Ne-Yo - "Closer"

James Taylor - "Wichita Lineman"

Who Will Win: Jason Mraz - "I'm Yours"

Simple, catchy, understated and satisfying. It will help him snag the award.

Who Should Win: Jason Mraz - "I'm Yours"

See above comment.

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