Grammys midway: 2008's notable newcomers

Leona Lewis: The British R&B/pop singer won the U.K's "The X-Factor" (think " American Idol"), and then won the support of Oprah in the states. She had a No. 1 album soon after, driven by the inescapable Whitney Houston-influenced "Bleeding Love."

Grammy potential: Absolutely. Lewis is a lock for a number of nominations, and her Grammy campaigning actually began at last year's awards, as Lewis was the showcase act at Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party. Davis may no longer head J Records, but there's plenty of goodwill toward the exec, and Lewis has proven to have staying power, as her album, "Spirit," is still in the Top 20 more than two months after it was released.

Grammy deserving: Not so much. On its own, "Bleeding Love," a slow-building throwback of a tune, is worthy of a nod or two, but "Spirit" is little more than a showcase for a pretty voice, failing to establish much of a personality for the budding star.