News Summary

Legend says jinx 'does not exist'

In the words of North High grad John Legend, "There is no jinx. It does not exist."

Legend won the best new artist Grammy earlier this year.

He received a nice little gold-plated trophy — and a voodoo hex.

Supposedly, artists who win that category find their careers suddenly banished to the cut-out bin.

As Legend currently divides his time between studios in New York and L.A. to record his sophomore album, it's a good time to investigate this alleged curse.

Below are some notable past new artist winners.

Then decide for yourself.

2005 — John Legend

2004 — Maroon 5

2003 — Evanescence

2002 — Norah Jones

2001 — Alicia Keys

2000 — Shelby Lynne

1999 — Christina Aguilera

1998 — Lauryn Hill

1997 — Paula Cole

1996 — LeAnn Rimes

1995 — Hootie & the Blowfish

1994 — Sheryl Crow

1992 — Arrested Development

1990 — Mariah Carey

1989 — Milli Vanilli (later revoked, for obvious reasons)

1988 — Tracy Chapman

1984 — Cyndi Lauper

1983 — Culture Club

1982 — Men at Work

1980 — Christopher Cross

1977 — Debby Boone

1976 — Starland Vocal Band

1973 — Bette Midler

1971 — Carly Simon

1970 — The Carpenters

1969 — Crosby, Stills and Nash

1965 — Tom Jones

1964 — The Beatles

1962 — Robert Goulet

1959 — Bobby Darin