The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences last Friday revealed its list of nominations for the 44th Grammy awards, among them are several prominent gay and lesbian artists.

Among the gay and lesbian nominees are Melissa Etheridge, who has been nominated for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance (for I Want to be in Love) and Elton John, who is up for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album (for I Want Love, and Songs from the West Coast, respectively).

The list also includes openly-gay R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe for Best Recording Package for the art direction on the album Reveal while the band is contending for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or a Group With Vocal (for Imitation of Life).

Finally, lesser known gay singer/pianist Michael Feinstein is also contending for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Romance on Film/ Romance on Broadway.

Leading the pack this year is rock band U2 with eight nominations, including Song of the Year ("Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of"), Album of the Year ("All That You Can't Leave Behind") and Record of the Year ("Walk On").

The 44th annual Grammies will be awarded February 27 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Last year, Elton John, one of the gay community's most visible stars made the headlines for singing a duet with anti-gay rapper Eminem who bagged three Grammies while GLBT activists demonstrated outside the event.

The gay media criticised the organisers for promoting the controversial rapper and his anti-gay lyrics soon after the nominee list was announced.