No, the Grammy for Best Hawaiian Music Album won't be awarded on Sunday night's telecast of the 49th annual music biz prize fest — but we'll be in contact with the nominees to break the news.

There will be televised excitement: The Police plan to reunite on stage at the Staples Center that evening before top nominee Mary J. Blige takes what's sure to be several trips to the podium.

But our nominees will vie for their Grammy at an afternoon ceremony at the Los Angeles Convention Center, starting at 11:30 a.m., Hawai'i time.

Don't feel too bad for our Hawai'i candidates, though.

All nominees for this year's golden gramophone for the best vocal or instrumental Hawaiian music album get tickets to the Grammy show and will walk the red carpet to see it live.

And one or several of them will return home with carte blanche to the lifetime title of "Grammy-winning" producer or musician.

Check out the Honolulu Advertiser's Web site on Sunday afternoon for breaking news on the Grammys, to find out who wins. On Monday, we'll have reaction from the Hawai'i winner in Island Life.

As an advance look, here's our critical take on each nominated album and its chances of winning.

For good measure, we also asked local music connoisseur, Na Hoku Hanohano Awards announcer and Hawaiian 105 KINE FM morning drive DJ Billy V for a second opinion.

Best of luck to all our nominees!

AMY HANAIALI'I

Album: "Generation Hawai'i," Hanaiali'i Records

Our take: Amy's elegant return to her Hawaiian roots is one of the best albums of her dozen-year career. Her multifaceted voice gorgeously evocative of traditional styles yet sublimely linked to the modern throughout, Amy honors her grandmother's inspirational guidance to be true to herself, her culture and her kupuna through her music.

Billy V's take: "Shows depth and soul to her wonderful music. Amy continues to impress as a performer and recording artist."

Chances of winning: Decent. A solo, full-vocal album hasn't yet won the Grammy for Best Hawaiian Music Album. But Amy's chances improve as a second-time nominee in the category, having grabbed a nomination with Willie K in 2005 for "Amy & Willie Live."

Album: "Grandmaster Slack Key Guitar," Rhythm and Roots Records

Our take: When singer/songwriter/ki ho'alu master Uncle Led gives a nod toward the old school, the result is rarely less than the sonic equivalent of great homemade comfort food. The skill and love it took to cook it all up is evident in the flavor. But the chef never boasts about how fortunate we all are to be enjoying it.

Billy V's take: "A release truly in the 'Ka'apana style,' both in his vocals and slack key. With nearly 100 recording projects over the last 35 years to his credit, Ledward continues to amaze."

Chances of winning: Good. Ka'apana's lauded ki ho'alu skills and very long history of extensive Mainland touring aren't exactly unfamiliar to folk field voters.

Album: "The Wild Hawaiian," Eclectic Records

Our take: Kapono's first all Hawaiian-language album aims for nothing less than revolutionary ... and succeeds. From the searing opening guitar rock attack of "Na Ali'i" to the poignant acoustic /electric balancing act of "Ke Aloha O Ka Haku — The Queen's Prayer," Kapono revels in baring his musical soul and crafts a relentlessly intelligent and visionary work that tears down the borders of a genre.

Billy V's take: "It's nice to see an artist doing music he enjoys. Henry is adding to the growing list of artists stretching the boundaries of what is regarded as 'Hawaiian music.' "

Chances of winning: Better than one might expect. A veteran musician with lots of Mainland music-biz friends, admirers and contacts, Kapono's was a sure-to-be-recognized name on ballots.

Chris Lau and Milton Lau, producers

Album: "Hawaiian Slack Key Kings," Rhythm and Roots Records

Our take: Kings? Perhaps. Nonetheless, an inspired choice of players (Ledward Ka'apana, David Kahiapo and Makana, among them) and songs (including Jack Johnson connecting slack key to folk on "Better Together") are gathered for a pleasant, low-key lesson on ki ho'alu's influence.

Billy V's take: "Shows the progression of slack key as an art form and pays tribute to how much it has grown. Slack key is no longer those simple tunes we played long ago like 'Opihi Moemoe' or 'Maori Brown Eyes.'"

Chances of winning: Very good. Slack-key compilations have taken two Grammys so far. Well-known musicians such as Ka'apana and Johnson help.

Daniel Ho, George Kahumoku Jr., Paul Konwiser and Wayne Wong, producers

Album: "Legends Of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar — Live From Maui," Daniel Ho Creations

Our take: Like last year's Grammy winner, recorded live at the Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar shows at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, this is a rich, satisfying taste of ki ho'alu's best — Ka'apana, Cyril Pahinui, Dennis Kamakahi, George Kahumoku Jr., Ozzie Kotani, et al.

Billy V's take: "Don't let the title fool you. There are solid vocal performances here, complemented by wonderful slack key. Daniel Ho continues to be part of award-winning projects, and his resume grows with this release."

Chances of winning: Very good. This production team took home last year's Grammy and have gathered another stellar line-up of players.