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Music World Gears Up For Grammy Awards

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Music is on a lot of people's minds today, as the industry's biggest night to shine for the stars. It is Grammy night.

LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: That's right. Let's get the latest right now on how the big occasion is shaping up.

Michael Okwu who's standing by in New York, he's got the latest news for us this morning.

Mike, good morning.

MICHAEL OKWU, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Thanks, guys. And good morning to you.

Just as the music world is gearing up for tonight's Grammy Awards, Napster is passing a note of peace to the recording industry. The free on-line music swap service is offering record labels $1 billion to settle a copyright infringement lawsuit.

Under the plan, Napster would require its users to pay membership fees ranging from $6 to $10. The Recording Industry Association of America says Napster's offer is a public-relations gimmick to coincide with tonight's Grammy Awards.

Speaking of which, just hours from now, those annual awards will be handed out for the 43rd time.

CNN's Sherri Sylvester talks with some nominees and has the lowdown on who's up for what in tonight's Grammy ceremony.

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SHERRI SYLVESTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Controversial rapper Eminem's nominations start at the top, in the album of the year category for "The Marshal Mathers" LP.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, "The Marshal Mathers")

EMINEM, GRAMMY NOMINEE: You think I give a damn about Grammy. Half you critic can't even stomach it, let alone stand what's limb. What if you win, wouldn't it be a win?

(END VIDEO CLIP) SYLVESTER: Yes, he makes fun of the award, but he is competing against best album alum Paul Simon and his "You're the One" LP, Radiohead's "Kid A," Beck's "Midnight Vultures," and "Two Against Nature" by Steely Dan, a group that has gone Grammy-less in this category.

DESTINY'S CHILD, GRAMMY NOMINEE: Say my name, say my name.

SYLVESTER: This year's Grammy race is all over the place. No one artist has the nominations to sweep the awards, but there is some overlap in the record of the year and song of the year categories, including "Say My Name" by Destiny's Child, "I Try" by Macy Gray, and "Beautiful Day" by U2. Madonna's "Music" and 'N Sync's "Bye Bye Bye" complete the record of the year playlist. Song of the year contenders include Lee Ann Womack's "I Hope You Dance" and Faith Hill's "Breathe."

TONY BRAXTON, GRAMMY NOMINEE: Everyone's like, Oh, she'll never make it. She'll never be back. Her career is over. It's too late. The music industry's changed. All these young, great actors, singers are out. So I'm like, Who did my brother go to? I'll show you, I'll show you. So...

SYLVESTER: Toni Braxton shows them all right, with top R&B honors, including nominations for best R&B song and album.

D'Angelo double-dips in both categories, as does Sisqo with his "Thong Song."

SISQO, GRAMMY NOMINEE: The first year of my career, we won a lot of awards. And then the second two years of my career, we lost a lot of awards. So I'm kind of like, you know, If I lose, I won't die. But if I win, I'll be like this ball.

SYLVESTER: Destiny's Child and Erykah Badu complete the best R&B song category, while album honors go to Joe, Boyz II Men and Jill Scott.

When it comes to rap, Dr. Dre and Eminem dominate, with five nominations for Dr. Dre, including producer of the year; four for Eminem.

Under the category,"They Can't Believe Their Nomination," Bon Jovi gets in the game for the very first time in two rock categories.

JON BON JOVI, GRAMMY NOMINEE: Ninety million records later, this is the first time our band's being recognized.

SYLVESTER: JLO, Jennifer Lopez, vies for best dance recording against "Who Let The Dogs Out."

JENNIFER LOPEZ, GRAMMY NOMINEE: The nomination was a surprise. I was like, Wow, OK.

SYLVESTER: Add Marilyn Manson's nod for best metal performance... MARILYN MANSON, GRAMMY NOMINEE: I think it was a mistake. I think they miscounted or something

SYLVESTER: And after six albums, Shelby Lynne goes for the gold as best new artist.

SHELBY LYNNE, GRAMMY NOMINEE: Oh my god, I think I'd put it around my neck and just make jewelry out of it or something.

SYLVESTER: Sherri Sylvester, CNN entertainment news, Hollywood.

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OKWU: That's it for this morning's "Showbiz Today Report." Reporting from New York, I'm Michael Okwu.

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