Songwriter Jeff Pardo, of Arlington Heights, is nominated for his first Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Song, "When Mercy Found Me."

courtesy of Jeff Pardo

Northbrook native Kaskade, a DJ whose real name is Ryan Raddon, is nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronica Album.

courtesy of Kaskade

Harpsichordist Jory Vinikour, of Mount Prospect, is nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Classical Solo.

courtesy of Jory Vinikour

Wheeling native Deborah Voigt is part of the cast nominated for Best Opera Recording of $START_URL$"Wagner: Der Ring Des Nibelungen.";http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/episodes/gp-at-the-met-wagner%E2%80%99s-ring-cycle/about-the-opera/1312/$STOP_URL$

COURTESY OF KEN HOWARD/METROPOLITAN OPERA

Kathy Griffin, a native of Oak Park, is nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album. It's her third time being nominated in this category, and she's looking for her first win.

courtesy of Bravo

Christian music singer/songwriter Matthew West, who grew up in Downers Grove, is nominated for two Grammy Awards.

courtesy of Matthew West