When Eminem was first nominated for album of the year some 10 years ago for "The Marshall Mathers LP," it marked a milestone for the Grammys as it chose to honor an album that was considered masterful in its artistry yet morally bankrupt in its values.
On Wednesday, as the Recording Academy once again nominated Eminem for album of the year along with nine other bids, it again gave accolades to a foul but genius piece of work – Cee Lo's "(Expletive) You," an infectious retro groove with an unforgettable, unprintable chorus.
The tune, which is so profane it had to be changed to "Forget You" for radio play, was nominated for two top Grammy honors: record and song of the year.
"It wasn't meant to be a radio song," said Cee Lo after the nominations. "It was meant to be something with flair and first impression and it really took on a life of its own, and I had no idea it would become what it is today."
It's a sign of how much times, and Eminem himself, have changed that his leading nominations were not controversial, but expected and respected.
The person with the second-leading tally, Bruno Mars with seven, was not without his own drama this year, after being arrested in Las Vegas in a cocaine possession case, which is pending. It was the only negative in a brilliant year for Mars, who co-wrote "(Expletive) You" and was also featured on B.o.B's "Nothin' on You," also nominated for record of the year.
"It's just been a great year, incredible, incredible year, and I can't believe this is happening to me," said Mars, who was also nominated for best male pop vocal for his own hit, "Just the Way You Are."
Read More: Grammy Nominations 2011: Eminem Leads With 10, Bruno Mars Has 7
