This article is part of a series in celebration of a new, dynamic voice in Black America: the NUBIANO Exchange. Brace yourself for the NUBIANO experience. 
Although the death of R&B is looming, 2007 was a very good year. Highlights include: debut albums from Chrisette Michele (I Am) and Tony Award nominee Elisabeth Withers (It Can Happen to Anyone); incredible first-week album sales for Mary J. Blige (Growing Pains, 629,000) and Alicia Keys (As I Am, 742,000); the return of "blue-eyed soul," with Robin Thicke becoming the second white man to top the R&B singles chart (with "Lost Without You"); and a continuous string of number one hits on Billboard's R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart: "When I See You" (Fantasia, 8 weeks), "Let It Go" (Keyshia Cole, 3 weeks), "Bed" (J. Holiday, 5 weeks) and "No One" (Alicia Keys, 10 weeks).
Here are my predictions for the 50th Grammy Awards in the R&B field:
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
- "Just Fine" - Mary J. Blige [Geffen]
- "When I See You" - Fantasia [J Records/19 Records/S Records]
- "No One" - Alicia Keys [J Records/MBK Entertainment]
- "If I Have My Way" - Chrisette Michele [Def Jam Recordings]
- "Hate On Me" - Jill Scott [Hidden Beach Recordings]
Although "No One" garnered much success at the tail end of 2007, "When I See You" ruled Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for eight weeks as the summer's biggest R&B hit. Granted, Alicia Keys has achieved more mainstream success than Fantasia over the years, with "No One" topping Billboard's Hot 100 chart and "When I See You" only peaking at #32. It must be noted, however, that of all Fantasia's heartfelt ballads, this is one of her best performances — being her first number one single and third to place in the top ten of Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Fantasia, with six Grammy nominations in two years, should not be overlooked. It is time for the Recording Academy to give Fantasia her due. Did I mention that "When I See You" is also nominated for Best R&B Song?
Article comments
1 - Donald Gibson
I agree with most of your predictions (especially for Gerald Levert), but I think Alicia Keys will sweep the few categories she's nominated for this time.
While the album wasn't released in time to be considered on the whole, "No One" is the only part of that album to be represented this year. For that reason, and because Keys delivered with As I Am (which should garner an Album of the Year nod next year), I think she's going to run away with whatever she's nominated for now.
-Donald
2 - F-daht
I like the predictions except that you left off chrisette michelle.
3 - Esther
Good picks Clayton, but I respectfully disagree on several of them. MJB will likely win for Best R&B Female Vocal Performance; I like Lupe and Jill for Best Urban/Alternative, but I've been hearing a lot about Alice Smith, so I don't know about this one; I'm probably the only person in the world who hates Alicia Key's "No One," but I'm hoping Fantasia wins for Best R&B Song.
4 - Tess
It is true that Eminem will sing with Amy Winehouse in the 2008 grammys?
5 - Sean Griffin
Eminem doesn't sing, he raps. So no. Anyways, Jill Scott is wonderful. She deserves to be lauded.
6 - Sam
Is Ahley Tisdale singing or being noninated for anything at the 2008 grammys?
7 - Aysha Zawillone
EMI’s legends and today’s stars dazzled audiences during 50th anniversary broadcast: Sinatra lives, Tina Turner rocks, Clark Sisters inspire in Aretha Tribute and The Beatles’ LOVE with Cirque de Soleil
The Beatles’ LOVE wins two trophies. Karen Clark-Sheard and The Clark Sisters win three awards
Grammys also go to Pepe Aguilar, Beastie Boys, Terence Blanchard, Chemical Brothers, Juan Luis Guerra, Sir Simon Rattle Choral Performance and Keith Urban
Juan Luis Guerra attended the EMI Post Grammy party at Dominic's in LA. Edna Abad threw the EMI Post Grammy party, which was another success for the head of EMI Artist Relations.
Aysha Zawillon
Variety
Microsoft