(February 20, 2002) — Best New Artist: the validation of rising musicians who have worked their butts off and finally made it to the top of the industry in the short time they have been out. Two years ago, it was Britney Spears vs. Christina Aguilera vs. Macy Gray. We all know who won that one (hint: the overjoyed Aguilera). Last year, the category got less attention, but country rocker Shelby Lynne glumly snagged the golden gramophone over pop mainstream artists Sisqo and Papa Roach. As the 44th annual Grammy Awards approach (Feb. 27, 8 p.m., CBS), this lineup of newbies also happens to be a group of the best artists to hit the music scene in a long time. With nearly every contender up for multiple trophies this year, the competition is even fiercer because of the similarities they all share. A refreshing change from the burgeoning herd of mere performers, each of these musicians proudly delivered a debut album that is composed of (gasp!) entirely self-composed and self-produced tracks. Wait, there’s more: they play their own instruments! And they blew the roof off the Billboard charts in their first few weeks, with only ONE single out. Combined with unique sounds and undeniable genius behind the work, these five acts present the toughest challenge yet—who should get the award? Alicia Keys Her deep, melodic sound that can only be described as pure velvet dominates the songs as it accentuates each word of the wise-beyond-her-years lyrics. Keep listening to hear the piano chords in the background, never slowing down, never missing a beat. With a commanding presence at the piano, Keys seamlessly blends her background of classical influences with modern soul/hip-hop hooks. Not to mention, she writes all of her songs. From the moving lyrics to the intricate harmony chords, each song belongs completely to her. Nothing short of a prodigy, there is no surprise this biracial native New Yorker is up for six Grammys, including Song of the Year. India.Arie With her debut album, Acoustic Soul , India.Arie burst onto the mainstream music scene, collecting admiration and respect from fans and fellow musicians alike. From writing her own songs to playing the guitar arrangements, Arie is here to remind everyone just what the R and the B in R&B stand for: the rhythm of smooth hooks and catchy tunes and the mellow and bluesy lyrics. Arie gained recognition for her mellow neo-soul vibe and for bringing music with substance back into the mainstream. While she claimed her amazing seven nominations for the Grammys were a complete surprise, Arie well is aware of the name she has made for herself in the industry with her not-so-subtle creativity. Linkin Park “In the end, it doesn’t really matter.” Maybe so, but the beginning sure does for the Southland sextet Linkin Park. With the release of their debut album, Hybrid Theory —which is currently number five on the Billboard charts, having been in the top 10 for 68 weeks now—the beginning of their career has impacted the music industry and listeners everywhere, establishing their role as one of the greatest things to happen in music recently. With their intriguing blend of heavy rock intertwined with hip-hop beats, guitar riffs and profound lyrics, Chester Bennington, Rob Bourdon, Brad Delson, Phoenix Farrell, Joseph Hahn and Mike Shinoda are up for three Grammys. Nelly Furtado Several weeks into the debut of her first single, she had everyone singing, “I’m like a bird.” Not much later, everyone listened in awe to her rapping alongside hip-hop great Missy Elliott on the remix of “Get Your Freak On.” From the first listen, Nelly Furtado’s eccentric vocals and bumping beats are what captivated music fans and critics everywhere. This Canadian native who acts so “tough, tough, tough” is really a much-appreciated lyrical genius in a pop star’s body. Furtado is up for four of the gramophones this year, including a nod for her album Whoa, Nelly . David Gray David Gray’s initial fame began in 1992 with his first album, A Century Ends . After touring Europe, he released two more albums and switched record labels to one founded by Dave Matthews of the Dave Matthews Band. Receiving critical acclaim for his catchy “Babylon,” Gray has been an Adult Contemporary favorite on the US charts ever since.