Oklahomans competing in several Grammy categories

Above: Checotah native Carrie Underwood is shown backstage at the 2009 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Underwood is nominated for two Grammys and will perform during a special tribute to the late Michael Jackson during Sunday’s 2010 Grammys. Below left: Oklahoma City-born musician Matthew Followill of rock band Kings of Leon performs last year at the Clive Davis pre-Grammy party in Beverly Hills, Calif. Below right: Tulsa native Charlie Wilson is nominated in two R&B categories at this year’s Grammy Awards. (Associated Press file photos)

From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman. Contributing: The Associated Press

Musicians with Oklahoma ties vie for Grammys
Carrie Underwood, other artists will aid in tribute to late Michael Jackson during Sunday’s 7 p.m. telecast

With Kings of Leon, Carrie Underwood, Charlie Wilson and more among the nominees, Oklahoma will be represented in categories crossing several musical genres at Sunday night’s Grammy ceremonies.

The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards will air live from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on CBS.

Rockers Kings of Leon boast four Grammy nominations, including nods in the cross-genre record and song of the year categories for their hit “Use Somebody.” The band also is nominated for best rock song and best rock vocal performance with vocals for “Use Somebody.”

Alice in Chains, which includes Jerry Cantrell, who has an Atoka ranch, is nominated for best hard rock performance for “Check My Brain,” from the band’s album “Black Gives Way to Blue.”

Several Oklahoma stars will vie for awards in the country music categories. Checotah native Carrie Underwood is nominated for best female country vocal performance for her chart-topper “Just a Dream.” She will compete in the best country collaboration with vocals category for her rendition of “I Told You So” with Randy Travis.

In addition, Underwood will join fellow previous Grammy winners Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Smokey Robinson and Usher in a special 3-D tribute to the late Michael Jackson during the show.