Strange Grammy Nominees: Barack Obama, Tia Carrere & More!

Thursday December 06, 2007 01:55 PM EST

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Sure, Kanye West and Amy Winehouse are this year's big Grammy nominees. But which former Dancing With the Stars contestant is nominated for best Hawaiian music album? (Hint: It's not Drew Lachey!) And it looks to be a big year for American Idol at the Grammys. Here's our shortlist of some of the more interesting, offbeat nominations and Grammy tidbits.
– Cynthia Wang

Idol Rules!

American Idol continues to dominate at the Grammys. Seven former contestants earned nominations this year, including frontrunner Chris Daughtry with four nods (including co-writing honors with Brett "Ace" Young for "It's Not Over.") Meanwhile, past champs Fantasia and Carrie Underwood made the list, as did Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, who was nominated as a songwriter, for "Love You I Do" from Dreamgirls. Mandisa is nominated for best pop/contemporary Gospel album for "True Beauty," and Kelly Clarkson is up for best country collaboration with Reba McEntire for "Because of You."

Post-Wayne's World Glory

Aloha, Tia Carrere! The Dancing with the Stars alum and Wayne's World babe nabbed a nomination for best Hawaiian music album for Hawaiiana.

Obama vs. Alda

Move over Al Gore – Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter are all nominated for best spoken word album. Their competition? Maya Angelou and, yep, Alan Alda for Things I Overheard While Talking To Myself.

iPod Power

You've seen her on those ubiquitous iPod commercials singing "1234" – and now Leslie Feist (who records as Feist) has earned, count 'em, four Grammy nominations. Coincidence? Hmmm ... Among Feist's possible trophies: best new artist.

Broadway Success

Duncan "Barely Breathing" Sheik is nominated as a producer and composer for best musical show album for his Tony winning smash Spring Awakening.

The Man in Black Scores

Johnny Cash earned a posthumous nod for short form video for "God's Gonna Cut You Down."

Trapped in the Grammys

Remember this. Grammy rewards the prolific: R. Kelly is nominated for Best Long Form Music Video for "Trapped In the Closet Chapters 13-22."

Post-Reality Star

He's in it for the long haul! Ozzy Osbourne is nominated for best hard rock performance for "I Don't Wanna Stop."