5 Grammy Oddities: Dead Nominees, Shankar vs. Shankar

This story first appeared in the Dec. 21 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.

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India Sitar Legend Ravi Shankar Dies

With 81 categories, there were bound to be some head-scratchers among the Grammy nominees announced Dec. 5. Follow these storylines during the Feb. 10 telecast on CBS:

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It's a race no liberal would want to see: Bill Clinton vs. Michelle Obama vs. Rachel Maddow for best spoken-word album. What's a Democrat to do?

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Death Becomes Them

While a nom for the late Amy Winehouse (best rap/sung collaboration with Nas for "Cherry Wine") didn't surprise, jazz legend Dave Brubeck scored recognition (best instrumental composition, with son Chris) just hours after his Dec. 5 death.

Shankar vs. Shankar

Sitar legend Ravi Shankar -- who died Tuesday -- is battling his daughter Anoushka in the best world music album category. He also is among the seven Lifetime Achievement Award recipients announced Wednesday by the Recording Academy.

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Would Reading the Title Take Longer Than an Acceptance Speech?

Should Fiona Apple win for best alternative music album, the Grammys may need a bigger envelope to fit this 94-letter gem on a card: The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do.

And the "Who the Hell … ?" Award Goes To

Best dance recording nominee Al Walser, who scored a coveted spot alongside EDM giants Skrillex, Avicii and Calvin Harris via the Grammys' social-networking hub Grammy365.

Bonus: Genre-bending Boss?

Bruce Springsteen nominated in both the rock and country categories? No, the Boss hasn’t released a twang masterpiece (yet), rather, Eric Church is nominated twice for his homage via the song “Springsteen” (best country song, best country solo performance) while the legend himself is up for best rock album, rock song and rock performance.

Twitter: @shirleyhalperin