Fil-Am singer-songwriter in running for 2012 Grammy nominations

MANILA, Philippines—AJ Rafael, a 22-year-old Filipino-American singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, is in the running for nomination in two categories at the 2012 Grammy Awards, according to Rafael’s manager Christina Luna.

Rafael was chosen to compete in the Best New Artist and Traditional Pop Vocal Album categories, Luna told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Rafael’s independently produced album, “Red Roses,” went to No. 7 on iTunes on its first day of release in June this year. He is in the Top 20 of Billboard’s Uncharted section.

The voting committee of the Grammys will choose the final nominees before awards night in February 2012.

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Tags: 2012 Grammy Awards , AJ Rafael , singers , songwriters