And the winner is….

All eyes will be tuned in to CBS for the 49th Grammy Awards Feb. 11 to cheer for Houma’s own Tab Benoit.

The local bluesman’s latest CD, “Brother to the Blues,” is nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional Blues Album. Recorded last year with Louisiana’s Leroux, the album is a return to Benoit’s early beginnings playing George Jones and Hand Williams tunes. “Some things that I’ve never recorded but have always been a fan of and grew up around,” the artist said of the song selection.

“Brother to the Blues” has garnered nods in the blues circle for Houma’s favorite son.

In addition to the Grammy nomination, Benoit’s latest Telarc release was included in Offbeat Magazine’s Top 10 Critic’s Choice for 2006 list. Offbeat also nominated the local musician for its Best of the Beat Music Awards.

Offbeat writer Jeff Hannusch wrote, “Benoit’s country influences and proves he’s not afraid to take musical chances.”

And the accolades keep coming.

Benoit is up for the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year and Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year, which will be announced at the 28th Blues Music Awards in May.

“For 16 years, I’ve been recording blues records,” Benoit said. “I make a country record backed with Louisiana’s Lerouxna pop band with hits from the ‘70snand then I get nominated for a Grammy.”

As a founder of the Voice of the Wetlands, Benoit lends his voice to the plight of Louisiana’s wetlands everywhere he performs. “Hurricane on the Bayou,” a film about the state’s disappearing coast featuring Benoit’s acting and musical talents, continues to play at the Entergy IMAX Theatre in New Orleans.

The film captures the survival of the region after the 2005 hurricane season, the rebirth of nature and the spirit of this region’s humanity.

Benoit is also included on the eclectic soundtrack, the proceeds of which are being used by the Audubon Nature Institute to increase awareness of the state’s vanishing wetlands.

Benoit fans can see the artist next month in Thibodaux. He’ll be back home to perform March 21 at Nicholls State University, and he has a number of dates around the areanincluding Jazz Festnthis spring.

And the winner is….