Beyonce Contends the Grammy's

Can you believe that the very popular R&B singer, Rihanna was starstruck when she met Beyonce face to face? She says only six years ago she looked up to these people who are now her peers.

Rihanna attended her first arena concert in 2004. She said she was in the nosebleed section back then and in tears to have that opportunity. At that concert, Missy Elliot, Beyonce and Alicia Keys performed.

Rihanna said in response to meeting Beyonce, “I was a little starstruck” then corrects herself, “no, I was very starstruck.”

Rihanna adds that though she was starstruck by Beyonce, “it was very inspiring” and “motivated” her alot.

In related news, both Beyonce and Rihanna are expected to be performing at this year’s 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, among others as reported on HipHopRX.com. Along with Beyonce and Rihanna, more performances are expected by Drake, the drummer from Blink 182, Lil’ Wayne, Eminem, Lady GaGa, Celine Dion, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, The Black Eyed Peas (will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, Fergie) and Pink. The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards is scheduled to air Sunday, January 31st on CBS.

Just seven artists share nominations at the Grammys, and three artists appear in every major award category.

John Hall

It looks like the Grammys aren't winning any awards for diversity this year. The nominees for Album, Record, and Song of the Year are divvied amongst just seven artists. What's more, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Beyonce are conspicuously present in every category.

Experts are already expecting great things from Taylor Swift. Her sweeping success with every major award in 2009 and her breakout crossover success after only two albums have put her considerably ahead of the curb, even at such a young age. Her album, Fearless, and her hit, "You Belong with Me," are in the running for the album and record categories, respectively.

The competition is a bit more stiff when it comes to the song of the year. It is undeniable that Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it)" has been somewhat of a cultural phenomenon over the past year. However, some argue that this is a result of production and not genuine songwriting.

Meanwhile, Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody" is an old style rock hit from a band that has spent years standing on the verge of a breakout. Though Swift's potential in this category can't be ruled out, she is up against a powerful rock competitor and the song that gave rise to the most parodied music video of the year.