• by Gavin O'Malley  @mp_gavin, January 4, 2008

It's clearly a new day when the Recording Academy names YouTube as the official online partner of the Grammy Awards.

Continuing their love/hate relationship, the Academy has tapped YouTube to relaunch its "My Grammy Moment" CGM initiative for the upcoming 50th annual Grammy Awards.

"YouTube provides a unique opportunity for all musicians to market and promote their music and directly engage their fans," said Chad Hurley, YouTube CEO and co-founder.

Last year, unsigned musicians were invited to submit their odes to pop singer Justin Timberlake. Pleased with the results, the Academy is doing it again this year with rock band the Foo Fighters.

"This interactive component is yet another reflection of our mission to directly engage young musicians," said Neil Portnow, president/CEO of The Recording Academy.

A Grammy "blue ribbon" panel will determine the 45 quarter-finalists, with the public vote narrowing the field to semi-finalists who will perform with the Foo Fighters as part of an orchestra. One winner will then be chosen as a featured instrumentalist.

Users can log directly onto YouTube to access the video submissions, video viewing and voting site. Content will also be available on the CBS Audience Network and its more than 200 online partners.