The ladies have it! Fearless Grammy picks 2010

Not only was Whitney Houston shut out of the major categories, she wasn't even nominated for a single Grammy.

Ladies’ night hits Los Angeles Sunday, Jan. 31, as the 52nd annual Grammy Awards pits female mega-acts head-to-head(-to-head) in several key categories. Between Beyonce's pack-leading 10 nominations, Taylor Swift's eight nods and Lady Gaga's five, each chanteuse is likely to walk away with Grammy gold. But just as important as who wins or loses is who isn't even in the running.

When the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences decides to deny a backslap, they often do so with a slap to the face. Take former Grammy-wrangler Whitney Houston. The likes of Kanye West, Pink and Allen Toussaint may be shut out of major category action, but the music suits shut Houston out of the whole show.

Just as inexplicable are some of the inclusions. (Yes, that would be you, Dave Matthews Band.) More often than not though, this year sees Grammy’s typical motley mix of old favorites, returning relics and predictable Black Eyed Peas entries.

Who should win? Who will win? Ree Hines and Helen A.S. Popkin debate