We make predictions.ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Nominees: Arcade Fire, "The Suburbs"; Eminem, "Recovery"; Lady Antebellum, "Need You Now"; Lady Gaga, "Fame Monster," and Katy Perry, "Teenage Dream."

The best and most deserving of these albums, "The Suburbs," is also the least heard, so it doesn't stand a chance. Perry's album has a couple of great hits but no depth. Lady A had big sales but not enough momentum outside of country. This award will be a make-good for either Gaga's EP (her album "Fame" was eligible before it blew up big) or Eminem, who has never won this category. "Recovery" isn't his strongest album, but it will triumph.

RECORD OF THE YEAR

Nominees: B.o.B. featuring Bruno Mars, "Nothin' on You"; Eminem featuring Rihanna, "Love the Way You Lie"; Cee Lo Green, "F*** You (Forget You)"; Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys, "Empire State of Mind," and Lady Antebellum, "Need You Now."

All are strong contenders. "Nothin' on You" is a pure pop triumph, the emotional "Love the Way You Lie" combines two hot superstars; the soulfully catchy "Forget You" has recent momentum, and "Need You Now" is well-crafted drunk-dial booty call. But this one goes to the new New York anthem by Jay-Z and Keys.

SONG OF THE YEAR

"Love the Way You Lie"; "F*** You"; "Need You Now"; Miranda Lambert, "The House That Built Me," and Ray LaMontagne, "Beg Steal or Borrow."

"The House" is far and away the best written song here but not especially well known beyond country. Lady A takes the trophy for its country-pop crossover.

BEST NEW ARTIST

Justin Bieber, Drake, Florence + the Machine, Mumford & Sons, Esperanza Spalding.

Jazz bassist/singer Spalding is light-years ahead of the others in terms of talent and quality of her recordings. But she's not even famous in her own hometown. Bieber, 16, is a worldwide phenom but not yet a proven talent. So this prize will go Drake, the Canadian rapper/singer who has scored seven R&B hits and been featured on several others.

JON BREAM