Grammy predictions summed up in one word: Adele

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Nominees: Adele, "21"; Foo Fighters, "Wasting Light"; Lady Gaga, "Born This Way"; Bruno Mars, "Doo-Wops & Hooligans"; Rihanna, "Loud."

Verdict: Adele's blockbuster reversed the music biz's downward spiral. Bet the house on the deserving "21."

RECORD OF THE YEAR

Nominees: Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"; Bon Iver, "Holocene"; Bruno Mars, "Grenade"; Mumford & Sons, "The Cave"; Katy Perry, "Firework."

Verdict: Adele is rolling in the Grammys. And rightfully so.

SONG OF THE YEAR

Verdict: I'd vote for Adele's "Someone Like You" but it wasn't nominated. She'll take this trophy anyway.

BEST NEW ARTIST

Nominees: The Band Perry, Bon Iver, J. Cole, Nicki Minaj, Skrillex.

Verdict: Bon Iver is overrated and Minaj is underappreciated. I'd give her the Grammy, but the voters will select crossover country trio the Band Perry.

ALTERNATIVE ALBUM

Verdict: A strong case could be made for each, but Monsieur Iver, the pride of Eau Claire, Wis., will pocket the prize.

COUNTRY ALBUM

Nominees: Jason Aldean, "My Kinda Party"; Eric Church, "Chief"; Lady Antebellum, "Own the Night"; George Strait, "Here for a Good Time"; Taylor Swift, "Speak Now."

Verdict: Whoever wins, it won't be an upset. I'd vote for Church or Swift, but the academy members will pick Aldean.

RAP ALBUM