New York ? Grammy voters recognized a wide variety of artists and genres Tuesday, with Norah Jones, Avril Lavigne, Eminem and Bruce Springsteen dominating the major categories, including record, song and album of the year.

They were among the eight artists who received a leading five Grammy nominations each. The other four: R&B singer Ashanti, neosoul artist Raphael Saadiq, rapper Nelly and perennial Grammy favorite Sheryl Crow.

Springsteen’s Sept. 11-themed “The Rising” was nominated for album of the year, and the title track for song of the year.

Eminem, nominated for best album in 2000, received a nomination in that category again for “The Eminem Show” and a record citation for “Without Me.”

Newcomer Jones, 23, was nominated for record of the year for her underground hit “Don’t Know Why.” Her “Come Away With Me” was nominated for album of the year, and she received a best new artist nod.

Another best new artist nominee, Lavigne, also came up big: The 18-year-old was nominated for song of the year, best female pop vocal performance, best female rock vocal performance and best pop vocal album.

Other nominees for album of the year were the Dixie Chicks’ “Home” and Nelly’s “Nellyville.”

Nelly’s “Dilemma,” featuring Kelly Rowland, was cited for record of the year; he also was nominated in three rap categories.

“Any one they want to give me, I’m more than happy to receive,” said Nelly, who’s been nominated in the past but never won.

The Dixie Chicks were up for four awards, including country album of the year. Alan Jackson also was nominated in that category, and his Sept. 11 ode “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” was nominated for song of the year.

Other multiple Grammy nominees included India.Arie, Elvis Costello, Johnny Cash and Vanessa Carlton, whose song “A Thousand Miles” was nominated for record and song of the year.

Nickelback’s “How You Remind Me” rounded out the record of the year category — lead singer Chad Kroeger also got three other nominations, including best song written for a movie (“Hero” from “Spider-Man”).

Grammy contenders for new artist, from left, Ashanti, Avril Lavigne and John Mayer, attend ceremonies at New York's Madison Square Garden announcing the 2003 Grammy nominations.

Saadiq’s five nominations may have been one of the morning’s biggest surprises; the former Tony! Toni! Tone! singer released his debut album, “Instant Vintage,” but it was a poor seller.

Another neosoul artist, Canadian singer Remy Shand, also was a multiple nominee with four apiece.

Among Crow’s nominations: best female pop vocal performance for her feel-good summer hit, “Soak Up the Sun,” and best female rock vocal performance for “Steve McQueen.”

Ashanti, whose self-titled debut sold more than 3 million copies, was nominated for best R&B vocal performance and best contemporary R&B album, among other awards.

Rounding out the nominees for new artist were singer-songwriters Michelle Branch and John Mayer.

“I feel official as an artist,” said Mayer, who was on hand for the Grammy announcements at Madison Square Garden. “It’s pretty amazing for one nomination to do that. But I feel kind of realized.”

Also left out were the much hyped garage bands such as the Strokes, the Vines, the Hives, and the White Stripes.

The awards are to be handed out Feb. 23. This year, there are 104 categories, up from 101 last year.