Ed Sheeran's may be one of the biggest stars on Planet Pop but his multi-million-selling album ÷ has missed out on the main categories for the 2018 Grammy Awards.
Surprising many music industry observers, he was elbowed out of contention by the likes of Jay Z, Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar, who each received several nominations.
Jay Z leads the Grammy charge with eight nominations, including his first ever appearance in the album of the year list for 4:44, which comes 21 years after his long-playing debut Reasonable Doubt.
However, Sheeran did receive nominations in the pop categories.
Shape of You is up for best pop solo performance, while ÷ is shortlisted for best pop album.
Also missing out is Canadian hip hop artist Drake, whose More Life album dominated streaming, charts and radio play since its March release.
Taylor Swift's Reputation album will not be eligible this year due to its November release, but she garnered two nominations including writing country group Little Big Town's Better Man.
Pop star Katy Perry, who is yet to win a Grammy award, did not score a single nomination for her Witness album.
The absence of some of the biggest female artists marked a stark contrast with the 2017 awards, when Beyoncé led the nominations and Adele swept the top awards. Neither released new music this year.
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The main Grammy nominees are:
Album of the year
Childish Gambino - Awaken, My Love!
Jay Z - 4:44
Kendrick Lamar - Damn
Lorde - Melodrama
Bruno Mars - 24K Magic
Record of the year
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Childish Gambino - Redbone
Luis Fonsi - Despacito
Jay Z - The Story of OJ
Bruno Mars - 24K Magic
Kendrick Lamar – Humble
Song of the Year
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Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber - Despacito
Jay Z - 4:44
Julia Michael - Issues
Logic ft Alessia Cara and Khalid - 1-800-273-8255
Bruno Mars - That's What I Like
Best new artist
Alessia Cara
Lil Uzi Vert
Khalid
Julia Michaels
Sza
Best Pop Solo Performance:
Kelly Clarkson - Love So Soft
Kesha - Praying
Lady Gaga - Million Reasons
P!nk - What About Us
Ed Sheeran - Shape Of You
Best Pop Vocal Album:
Coldplay - Kaleidoscope
Lana Del Rey - Lust for Life
Imagine Dragons - Evolve
Kesha - Rainbow
Lady Gaga - Joanne
Ed Sheeran - ÷
