Merge Records' year of living fabulously continues. The Durham-based label has picked up three nods in the latest round of Grammy nominations, for Arcade Fire's chart-topping "The Suburbs," including album of the year. That one's a longshot, but Arcade Fire looks to be the front-runner for best alternative music album. If that comes through, it will be Merge's first-ever Grammy. The album is also nominated for best rock performance by a duo or group with vocals.

The Grammys will be presented on Feb. 13.

Other Grammy nominations of local interest:

Carolina Chocolate Drops scored a nomination for best traditional folk album with their major-label debut, "Genuine Negro Jig."

Triangle gospel institution Shirley Caesar's "A City Called Heaven" was nominated for best traditional gospel album.

High Point "American Idol" Fantasia's "Back To Me" picked up nominations for best R&B album and best female R&B vocal performance. "Bittersweet," a track from her album, was nominated for best R&B song (a songwriter's award).

Monroe native Calvin Richardson's "You're So Amazing" got a nod for best traditional R&B vocal performance.

UNC-Chapel Hill alumnus Lewis Black's "Stark Raving Black' was nominated for best comedy album.

Joel "JoJo" Hailey gets on the phone first and although he admits 9 a.m. is early for him, he says he's blessed. Along with his brother Cedric "K-Ci" Hailey, he's ready to talk about "K-Ci & JoJo...Come Clean," a new reality show that premieres on TV One tonight at 9 (with a second episode at 9:30).

In the show, the Monroe, N.C. natives and 90s R&B stars (via their hit duo and Jodeci) come to terms with their decades of partying and alcohol abuse (they say they've been drinking since about age 14), with the help of Baltimore's Pastor Jamal Bryant; his sister, licensed psychologist Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis; fitness pro and actress A.J. Johnson; and their manager Damon Jones.

It's pretty powerful stuff, shot over 35 days between April and May, with tactics and interventions the brothers didn't know about. Their reactions seem pretty raw, not the least bit scripted or camera conscious.

Combining a first interview about a suicide attempt with an appearance to plug your latest CD is a balancing act no one should have to try to pull off. There's just no way to avoid cynicism.

That was Fantasia Barrino's difficult task this morning during her "Good Morning America" appearance. Dressed in a tasteful navy blue dress, the North Carolina 'American Idol," talked with Robin Roberts, who started the interview in full reassurance mode, telling Fantasia that there were 'so many people here who love you, who adore you, and want the best for you.'

Fantasia Barrino will give her first television interview since her recent suicide attempt tomorrow morning on "Good Morning America."

Fantasia is expected to talk about the intentional overdose on August 9, when she was rushed to a Charlotte hospital after injesting sleeping pills and aspirin.

"Good Morning America" airs on WTVD from 7am till 9am.

Fantasia Barrino, "American Idol" winner and star of the VH1 reality series "Fantasia For Real," was released from a Charlotte hospital last night following what police are calling an attempted suicide.

Fantasia's manager Brian Dickens said in a press release that the High Point native "has been lifted up by the outpouring of love and support from her fans. She is more committed than ever to her daughter and her work because they are her heart, her soul and inspiration."

The Charlotte Observer published an article today about the ups and downs of Fantasia's personal life and career.

"American Idol" winner and High Point native Fantasia Barrino was rushed to the hospital Monday after an overdose that is now being described by Charlotte police as an apparent suicide attempt.

She is currently in stable condition.

According to police reports, Fantasia tried to overdose on aspirin and sleeping pills at her Charlotte home. Police found her in a closet and she was rushed to Mercy South Hospital in Pineville.

Radar Online has posted a copy of the police report.

The Grammy-nominated star of "The Color Purple" has been involved in a bit of scandal lately, accused by the wife of a North Carolina man of having an affair with her husband and breaking up the marriage.

Updated: Fantasia has been released from a Charlotte Hospital. Also, the 911 call from TMZ and Fantasia talks about "second chances" just days before her overdose.

If you want to watch something a little lighter than "Southland" tune in tonight at 10 and see NC's "American Idol" Fantasia Barrino on her VH1 show "Fantasia For Real."

And then stay around (at 10:30) for "Let's Talk About Pep" featuring Pepa from the seminal ladies rap group Salt 'N Pepa.

Fantasia's show is basically about setting the record straight. You may have heard that her home in Charlotte faced foreclosure and that Simon Cowell came to the rescue. Not true, she says.

Happiness already told you that N.C.'s "American Idol" Fantasia Barrino was getting a reality show on VH1 in January.

We're ardently pursuing the chance to talk to her about it.

Until then, check out this trailer for "Fantasia For Real." Looks like there's enough drama to keep things interesting.

North Carolina's "American Idol" Fantasia Barrino will have a reality show, uh, I mean a docu-series on VH1.

"Fantasia for Real" will be eight episodes and will focus on the High Point native's life as she balances her career with single motherhood and the release of a new album.

Each episode will be a half-hour and it will debut on Jan. 11, 2010 at 10 p.m.

I think it's a good break for Tasia; she's had some tough luck, but she's also proved herself to be a strong talent. She was a hit on Broadway and the road with "The Color Purple" and had a hit single with her song "When I See You." Her story has already been a Lifetime movie and she's written her memoir.

Plus she has made a name on award shows for her tributes to artists like Patti Labelle and Chaka Khan.

As they say, the girl can saaaang. Here's hoping the show helps her career soar.

The Hollywood Reporter says North Carolina's 'American Idol' Fantasia Barrino is getting a new reality show on VH1.

It won't air until early 2010, but it will focus on 'Tasia's life as a recording artist and single mother.

And they are just loving her on VH1: "Fantasia has one of the most fascinating stories in show business, from her tough upbringing to her meteoric rise on the national scene thanks to 'American Idol,' " said Jeff Olde, executive vp original programming at VH1. "Her challenges from fame and her unwillingness to fail have combined to create a larger-than-life talent who appeals to music lovers around the world. So many people wanted to work with her on this, but Fantasia is now part of the VH1 family, and we're so happy to have her."

Whatever. I love Fantasia and I thought her last album deserved way more love than it got. The girl can sing! I just hope the show is classy. OK, as classy as a reality show can be.