Coldplay shortlisted for Grammy

Coldplay star Chris Martin had further cause for celebration today as his band were shortlisted for a top title at a US awards bash.

The band’s frontman is to become a father next year, with actress girlfriend Gwyneth Paltrow expecting his child.

Now the quartet’s track Clocks is up for the record of the year prize at the Grammys after nominations were unveiled today.

The song is up against Beyonce’s Crazy in Love, Black Eyed Peas’ Where is the Love?, Eminem’s Lose Yourself and OutKast’s Hey Ya!.

Coldplay have become major stars in the US, finding a huge following with their thoughtful guitar rock.

Former Beatle George Harrison earns a posthumous nomination for best pop vocal album with his last release Brainwashed.

Contenders for album of the year are Missy Elliott’s Under Construction, Fallen by Evanescence, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below by OutKast and Justified by Justin Timberlake.

Completing the category is Elephant by The White Stripes, which was recorded in a back-to-basics east London recording studio.

Leading the shortlist were Beyonce, Jay-Z, OutKast and Pharrell Williams who each notched up six nominations.

Tracks up for song of the year include Christina Aguilera’s Beautiful.

The late US musician Warren Zevon who died in September, is up for five awards.

Nominations were announced in a colossal 105 categories with the awards taking place on February 8 in Los Angeles.