Oops, Grammys erred with two nominees

LOS ANGELES, Dec 10 (Reuters) Movie composer John Williams earned four Grammy nominations, not five as organizers originally announced this week, a spokeswoman for the music industry's most prestigious awards said.

Williams, who already has 18 Grammy statuettes dating back to 1976 for his work on ''Jaws,'' will compete against himself in two categories: score soundtrack album and instrumental composition, for the films ''Munich'' and ''Memoirs of a Geisha.'' He appears to have been confused with conductor John McLaughlin Williams, a nominee in a classical category.

Additionally, rapper Ludacris' name was omitted from the news release that listed the four-time nominees. He joins pop duo Gnarls Barkley, pop singer Justin Timberlake, R&B singer Beyonce, R&B producer/songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox, gospel artist Israel Houghton, rapper T I, and Williams.

As announced on Thursday, R&B singer Mary J. Blige led the contenders for the 49th annual Grammy Awards with eight nominations, followed by Los Angeles rock band the Red Hot Chili Peppers with six. Winners in the Grammys' 108 categories will be announced in Los Angeles on Feb. 11.

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