By Nedra Rhone

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

There's a whole lot of Grammy magic happening in Georgia.

The nominees for the 52nd Grammy Awards included a number of locals both in the spotlight, such as Sugarland and Keri Hilson, and behind the scenes, including three Atlanta based co-writers who penned Beyonce's hit "Single Ladies."

“I’m always excited because we have so many [nominees] and they really span so many different genres. There is a great sense of pride,” said Michele Caplinger, senior executive director of the Recording Academy's Atlanta Chapter.

With more popular award categories receiving as many as 300 entries, which then have to be trimmed to just five nominees, earning a nomination is a tough and enviable achievement for any artist, Caplinger said.

The Georgia nominees are largely from the Atlanta area, but also hail from other parts of the state including Macon, Augusta and Savannah. “This is my 10th show working for this organization and every year I am continually impressed and proud that so much amazing music and talent comes out of our area,” Caplinger said.

The show airs on Jan. 31, but on Jan. 7, local nominees will celebrate at a star-studded private event at the W Hotel Downtown. Here's a look at a few of the Atlanta nominees in several major categories. For a complete listing, visit www.grammy.com.

Song Of The Year

Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) – Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles, Terius "The Dream" Nash & Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, songwriters (Beyoncé), Track from: I Am... Sasha Fierce

Best New Artist

Zac Brown Band

Keri Hilson

Best R&B Album

Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics, India.Arie [Soulbird/Universal Republic]

Best Rap Song

Dead And Gone – C. Harris, R. Tadross & J. Timberlake, songwriters (T.I. & Justin Timberlake), Track from: Paper Trail [Grand Hustle/Atlantic; Publishers: Crown Club Publishing/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing/Tenman Tunes/Universal Z Tunes/Cleopatra's Sons Music/EMI April Music.]

Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals

Chicken Fried– Zac Brown Band, Track from: The Foundation [Home Grown/Big Picture/Atlantic]

I Run To You – Lady Antebellum (two members are from Augusta), Track from: Lady Antebellum [Capitol Records Nashville]

It Happens – Sugarland, Track from: Love On The Inside [Mercury Records]

Best Country Album

The Foundation – Zac Brown Band [Home Grown/Big Picture/Atlantic]