The 2012 Grammys: Winning predictions?

Music » In a strong year of music, it looks like everything will turn golden for Adele.

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"Doo-Wops & Hooligans" » Bruno Mars

"Loud" » Rihanna

Will win » While I’m glad a bona-fide rock act like Foo Fighters got a nomination, it wasn’t their best album. Besides, Adele is nominated, and we’re still crying to "Someone Like You."

I’d rather listen to » Don’t dismiss Lady Gaga. Sure, we’re all getting a little tired of her antics, but she made the best pop album of the year. "Born This Way" is a triumph of will that is consistent throughout, while the other albums have filler in between the killer.

Song of the Year

"All of the Lights" » Kanye West

"The Cave" » Mumford & Sons

"Grenade" » Bruno Mars

"Holocene" » Bon Iver

"Rolling in the Deep" » Adele

Will win » This will be the rare case when the artist with the most nominations — West — doesn’t win this songwriter’s award. I predict he will lose ungraciously to Adele, who co-wrote her song.

I’d rather listen to » West’s song features not only Kanye, but also John Legend, Alicia Keys, Fergie, Kid Cudi, Elton John and Rihanna, with the latter singing the cannot-get-it-out-of-your-head hook. Rihanna should replace James Earl Jones as the new voice of CNN.

Best New Artist

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

Will win »Adele. Ooops, she’s not nominated in this category. Bon Iver, nominated for Song and Record of the Year, as well as two other Grammys, would seem to be the most logical choice. Then again, after jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding’s shocking win in this category last year, anything can happen. While I see the appeal of Skrillex, most of his electronic music is created via computers and remixes, and I would prefer that a more organic artist like The Band Perry be recognized.

I’d rather listen to » The Band Perry’s "If I Die Young" creeps me out. Although Nicki Minaj gets much help from a phalanx of producers, her unique mashup of pop, hip-hop and R&B is refreshing, and her breakthrough hit "Super Bass" is undeniably catchy. But when it comes to influence and emotional intensity, Bon Iver’s self-titled follow-up to 2008’s astonishing "For Emma, Forever Ago" exceeded expectations. Plus he killed as a guest artist on Kanye West’s most recent solo album.

Best Pop Instrumental Album

"Wish Upon a Star" » Jenny Oaks Baker

"E Kahe Malie" » Daniel Ho

"The Road From Memphis" » Booker T. Jones

"Hello Tomorrow" » Dave Koz

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