Durand Bernarr, The Black Keys among Northeast Ohio Grammy nominees

The intrigue: Among those contending is Cleveland native Durand Bernarr, earning his first-ever nomination in the Best Progressive R&B Album category for "En Route."

• The 36-year-old, whose real name is Bernarr Ferebee Jr., worked as a background vocalist for Erykah Badu and other artists before breaking out on the 2019 BET reality series "The Next Big Thing."

Between the lines: The Black Keys added more nominations to their resume in the Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song categories for "Beautiful People (Stay High)." 

• Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor earned yet another nomination alongside composer Atticus Ross for their score to the film "Challengers."

Zoom in: Classical categories featured artists with Northeast Ohio ties, including previous winner Erica Brenner, ensemble Apollo's Fire and multiple Cleveland Institute of Music alums.