In 2011, Grammy Awards were awarded in 109 categories. This year, that number has been slashed to 78.

Paradoxically, the televised length of the program will stay the same.

Many of the changes to the music awards elicit head-scratching.

In the Classical music category, the main award, Best Classical Album, has been discontinued. Classical recordings are now eligible to be nominated for the overall Album of the Year category — like that will ever happen.

Since last year, the distinction between male and female soloists in various pop, rock, R&B, country and rap has been eliminated. Which would make sense, if we could all agree that music fans have become a truly gender-neutral global community.

Getting respect this year is Kanye West, who tops the nominations with seven, despite receiving no nominations for Record of the Year or Album of the Year.

Adele, the Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars each garnered six nods, while Lil Wayne and Skrillex each got five. Drake, Paul Epworth, Cee-Lo Green, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Nicki Minaj, Mumford & Sons, Radiohead, Rihanna and Bon Iver each received four.

But to West’s probable dismay, it will likely be Adele who walks away with the most awards. In addition, she will perform during the ceremony for the first time in the five months — due to her recent vocal-cord surgery — which should produce the show’s most talked-about moment. Especially if she tanks it.

To read my predictions for the awards, go to: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/entertainment/53414769-81/win-song-album-adele.html.csp