The Grammys are a mixed blessing. Sometimes worthy artists are honored, like OutKast for album of the year last year, Norah Jones' five wins two years ago and Alicia Keys' five big ones the year before that.

But too often Grammy voters are off the mark, like last year when Evanescence won over 50 Cent for best new artist. And everybody remembers the embarrassing Milli Vanilli fiasco.

This year things could go very well, both for the awards and the live performances, which are always a highlight of the broadcast, at 8 tonight on CBS (KIRO-Channel 7). While last year's show was mostly a yawn-fest, this year's is much more promising. Here's why:

1. They may actually get it right this year.

The most nominated artist, Kanye West, deserves every one of his 10 nominations. If the young hip-hop artist's amazing debut album, "The College Dropout," wins album of the year — which it should — it would reaffirm Grammy's relevance and honor one of the major genres in contemporary pop. The disc mixes insight, humor, dance beats, and surprisingly deep and tender emotions as it examines contemporary black culture, from youth to old folks. Although he has strong competition in the best new artist category — including Los Lonely Boys, Maroon5, Joss Stone and Gretchen Wilson — West should be a shoo-in, because he alone among them is almost guaranteed a bright future. West will perform, along with Mavis Staples, the Blind Boys of Alabama and John Legend.

2. The performers list is awesome.

Marcifer — newlyweds Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez — will make their world debut performance together, which should be interesting, because she's a hot dancer and he has two left feet. And, since both are known for their senses of humor, they've got to make some reference to Jen's series of short-lived marriages and romances. Green Day, which has revitalized its own career and punk itself with its "American Idiot" album, should give the proceedings a jolt with its powerful music and challenging lyrics. The title song of the CD should win record of the year, but it's more likely to go to Usher for "Yeah!," because he did such massive business, or to Ray Charles and Norah Jones for "Here We Go Again," as a tribute to Charles.

U2 should rock the place, as well, and Bono will join with Jones, Keys, Stevie Wonder, Velvet Revolver, Tim McGraw and Brian Wilson in a version of John Lennon's environmental-themed "Across the Universe." Downloads will be available at the iTunes Music Store, with proceeds going to tsunami relief.

3. Queen Latifah is hosting.

What a smart and classy choice. The singer and movie star is living proof that rap and hip-hop artists can have lasting careers, by growing and changing, while still remaining true to themselves. Latifah distinguished herself this year with "The Dana Owens Album" (titled after her real name), in which she showed herself to be a gifted singer. It's nominated for best jazz vocal album, and she'll perform a song from it.

4. Even the presenters will be worth watching.

Speaking of a woman at the top of her game, Ellen DeGeneres — who's up for a Grammy for comedy album for "The Funny Thing Is ... " — is among the presenters. Bet she comes out dancing, just as she does on her hit talk show. And bet she'll have funny things to say. Among other presenters: John Travolta, Tyra Banks, Steven Tyler, Ludacris and Mark McGrath.

5. Country music will get some respect.

Since country has a couple of its own award shows on network TV, it often gets short shrift at the Grammys. Not this year. Gretchen Wilson, that fun, irrepressible "Redneck Woman," is nominated for best new artist, and for three country awards. She'll perform in a salute to Southern rock, along with Tim McGraw, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dickie Betts and Elvin Bishop.

Loretta Lynn, a true living legend, is nominated for five Grammys for "Van Lear Rose," the amazing album she made with the White Stripes' Jack White, whose help and encouragement brought out the best in her.

6. Modest Mouse is nominated.

Just two happily married newlyweds from the block: Jennifer Lopez, and Marc Anthony will perform together on stage for the first time at the Grammys. Has she taught him how to dance? Tune in.

The source of local pride at this year's Grammys is the alternative rock band that started in Issaquah and labored here in the Northwest for years before breaking out nationally last year. The band is nominated in two categories, but wins would be a long shot in both.

For rock song, Modest Mouse is up against Green Day, Velvet Revolver, the Killers and U2, which will probably win for the bracing "Vertigo."

In the alternative album category, MM's chances are better, although Franz Ferdinand probably has the edge. The other nominees are Björk, PJ Harvey and Wilco.

7. No lip-synching (hopefully).

Would anyone risk it again after the Ashlee Simpson "Saturday Night Live" fiasco? The Grammy telecast is one of the last live TV showcases for musical talent, and performers should respect that.

8. Ray Charles.

He died last June at 73 and his presence will be felt throughout the telecast, as he is nominated for seven awards, for his "Genius Loves Company" album. He will be honored in a musical tribute featuring Bonnie Raitt and Billy Preston. The film clips alone will be moving. One question: Why isn't Jamie Foxx among the presenters?

9. Usher.

While West outdid him in the number of nominations, Usher came in a close second, with eight. Usher had by far the biggest-selling album of last year with "Confessions," with more than 7 million copies sold. While he showed growth and maturity on the album, Usher still has a way to go in becoming a great vocalist — he remains a better dancer than singer. Unfortunately, he's not scheduled to perform. But he should go home with an armful of Grammys.

10. The Internet.

While the East Coast watches the Grammys live on TV, we on the West Coast will have to wait for the tape delay. However, we can keep up with the show as it happens via www.grammy.com which, while it will not be broadcasting the event, will report on the winners as they are announced.

Patrick MacDonald: 206-464-2312 or pmacdonald@seattletimes.com