A few years ago it suddenly became really tough to predict Grammy nominees for best new artist because candidates were no longer limited to people who made their first professional recordings during the eligibility period. The category now encompassed artists who've been in the biz for years, but just recently emerged into prominence.

Since Grammy's eligibility cut-off date of Sept. 30 just passed, it's time to start predicting nominees who'll be announced on Dec. 7.

Our Grammy forum moderator David Schnelwar ("Guru"), however, was befuddled over whether certain artists can be considered for best new artist. So we submitted our list of questionables to the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences and got the answers. (Thanks, Ron Roecker!) Here's what he says about these artists:

Natasha Bedingfield — entered and eligible

Gnarls Barkley — not entered

Pussycat Dolls — entered and eligible

Rihanna — entered and eligible

Snow Patrol — not entered

Carrie Underwood — entered and eligible

Photo: Back in May, Carrie Underwood was voted best new female artist of the year by the Academy of Country Music in addition to pulling off a shockeroo upset for single of the year ("Jesus Take the Wheel"). Next she's up for many top kudos at the Country Music Assocation Awards on Nov. 6.
(Arista)