Other top nominees at the Los Angeles announcement included the Foo Fighters, whose five nominations included mentions for album and record of the year; Justin Timberlake, who also got five, including record of the year for What Goes Around Comes Around; Rihanna, who received four nominations, including record of the year for her ubiquitous Umbrella anthem; and jazz legend Herbie Hancock, who surprisingly made it into the album of the year category for his Joni Mitchell tribute album.

“It’s not a category you normally find a jazz artist,” said a shocked Hancock.

Jay-Z, rapper-producer Timbaland and singer-songwriter Ne-Yo also received five nominations each. Bruce Springsteen, whose absence from the best album category was noteworthy, received four nominations, along with Akon, Chris Daughtry, Feist, Tim McGraw, Akon, Dierks Bentley and John Newton.

But the king and queen of the day were West and Winehouse, who both experienced tremendous highs and crushing lows in 2007.

West’s Graduation album, which was nominated for album of the year, marked a coronation for the rapper-producer when it was released in September, selling almost one million copies in its first week and crushing 50 Cent in a much hyped sales battle.

West also had two big hits this year, Stronger and Good Life.