December 03, 2009

By By Chris M. Walsh, N.Y.

The 2009 Grammy Nominations special pulled in 6.3 million viewers last night, down from 7 million who watched last year?s special, according to Nielsen.

The CBS special, which took place at L.A.?s Club Nokia, finished fourth in its 9 p.m. time slot behind Fox?s ?Glee," NBC?s ?Law & Order: SVU? and ABC?s ?Modern Family.? But Recording Academy chairman Neil Portnow downplayed the importance of the show?s ratings.

?What we?ve done here is given access to literally many millions of people
to get involved as we roll out the nominations, to participate, get them in
the mode of the kickoff week for the Grammy season,? Portnow tells Billboard. ?So from that standpoint, it continues to be a resounding success."

Beyonce topped the nominations for the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, with 10 total nods, including album of the year for "I Am...Sasha Fierce," record of the year for "Halo" and song of the year for "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)."

The 52nd Grammy Awards are set for Jan. 31, at the Staples Center in L.A.

Additional reporting by Mitchell Peters, L.A.

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