Nominees for the best new artist were Wilson Phillips, Carey, Lisa Stansfield, roots rockers the Black Crowes and the Kentucky Headhunters.

Carey, with co-writer Ben Margulies, and Wilson Phillips' Chynna Phillips and Carnie Wilson, also picked up nominations for song of the year, a songwriters' award. Prince also was nominated in this category for "Nothing Compares 2 U," the hit he wrote for O'Connor, along with Collins and Julie Gold for Midler's "From A Distance."

"Every single thing that happened this year has been incredible. This is just like a huge piece of icing on the cake," Carnie Wilson said. "I've always dreamed of this. When I was little, I used to imagine myself walking up on stage."

Wilson Phillips comprises the two daughters of Beach Boy Brian Wilson and the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips.

Veteran rockers Eric Clapton, Neil Young and Joe Cocker joined chart-toppers Jon Bon Jovi and Billy Idol as nominees in the best male rock vocalist category.

Best male pop vocalists included Collins, Rod Stewart, Michael Bolton, Billy Joel, James Ingram, and the late Roy Orbison, who was nominated for "Oh, Pretty Woman" from the soundtrack of the hit movie starring Julia Roberts.

Another song of the '60s was nominated as well: "Unchained Melody," which was redone by the Righteous Brothers last year. The song was cited in the best pop performance by a duo or group.

Other nominees in this category were Wilson Phillips, Bruce Hornsby and the Range, the B-52s, and last year's winners, Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville.

Nominees were chosen by more than 6000 members of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Ballots were returned last month.