Obama, Clinton rivalry spreads to Grammys

LOS ANGELES: Democratic U.S. presidential contender Barack Obama will compete with former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter at the Grammy Awards in February, organizers said on Thursday.   

The audio-book versions of their latest tomes were all nominated for best spoken-word album, along with titles by poet Maya Angelou and actor Alan Alda. In recent years, the category has been a virtual gift to the Democratic Party.   

Carter won the race in 2007, in a tie with actors Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, while Obama took the prize the year before. Clinton won in 2005 for his autobiography 'My Life'. A year earlier, he took home the award for best spoken-word children's album.   

Not to be outdone, Obama's rival for the Democratic nomination, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, won the spoken-word Grammy in 1997 while she was still first lady. This year, Obama, a U.S. senator from Illinois, is nominated for 'The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream', while Clinton is up for 'Giving: How Each Of Us Can Change the World', and Carter for 'Sunday Morning in Plains: Bringing Peace to a Changing World'.   

Angelou, a three-time winner in this category, was nominated for 'Celebrations'. Former 'M*A*S*H' star Alda will compete with 'Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself.'   

Winners in all 110 categories will be unveiled during ceremonies in Los Angeles on Feb. 10.