Grammys midway: 2008's notable newcomers

By Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

The year may be at its midpoint, but when it comes to the Grammys, that mark has long since passed. With the eligibility period for next year’s awards ending on Sept. 30, there’s little more than three months left in the world of Grammy.

New artists are at a disadvantage. There isn't much time left in the Grammy year to establish a "public identity," the vaguely written criteria that determines who is eligible for a best new artist nomination.

But it makes for one of Grammy's most confounding -- and most debated -- categories. So with the year at it's midpoint, and Grammy season only weeks away, here's a look at some of 2008's notable new artists, and how they may fare come Grammy time.

Pictured: Katy Perry

The text in this gallery is taken from Los Angeles Times music blog Extended Play.