Sam Smith, the British newcomer with the ordinary name and distinctively emotional voice, crashed the Women's Club that is the 57th annual Grammy Awards.
Smith, 22, tied for the most nominations — six — with singer/producer Pharrell Williams and the juggernaut that is Beyoncé, who has now received more Grammy nominations than any other woman ever. The breathy Brit balladeer is a finalist for, among others, each of the "big four" prizes: album of the year ("In the Lonely Hour"), record and song of the year ("Stay with Me") and best new artist.
While Beyoncé is vying for album of the year for her self-titled smash, it is surprising that her "Drunk in Love," the multilayered seduction that was one of the most acclaimed singles of the past year, got shut out for record and song of the year. Most of her nominations are in the R&B field. She now has chalked up 52 Grammy noms (with 17 wins) while Quincy Jones holds the all-time mark of 79.
The nominations were announced Friday in a new, slow roll out, starting with four categories on "The CBS Morning News," 78 categories via Twitter over the course of several hours in midday and, finally, album of the year during a prime-time Grammy Christmas special featuring Smith, Mary J. Blige, Tim McGraw and others.
Women dominated three of the "big four" categories, in which the nominees are chosen by a blue-ribbon panel whereas Recording Academy members elect finalists in the other categories.
Rookie Meghan Trainor's infectious "All About That Bass" is contending for both record and song of the year. Other competitors for top record are the sassy "Fancy" by Aussie rapper Iggy Azalea featuring Charli XCX; the party-girl plaint "Chandelier" by Sia, another Aussie living in the States; the peppy, '80s-sounding "Shake It Off" by Grammy darling Taylor Swift, and "Stay with Me," Smith's big ballad. All of those tunes save for "Fancy" are song of the year nominees; the other slot in that category goes to Irish singer Hozier's gospel/pop "Take Me to Church."
For best new artist, Smith will vie with Azalea, the pop/rock sister trio Haim, acclaimed country singer/songwriter Brandy Clark and British pop band Bastille, known for the hit "Pompeii."
Joining Smith and Beyoncé for album of the year are Ed Sheeran for "X," Beck's "Morning Phase" and Williams' "Girl."
