Nicki Minaj and Rihanna have dominated the American Music Awards by scoring the most nominations for the upcoming ceremony with four nominations each.
Rihanna is in the running for Artist of the Year against Justin Bieber, Drake, Maroon 5 and Katy Perry, who is a close friend of the Bajan beauty. She is also up for Favorite Female Artist, Album in Soul/R&B categories and Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock, which is also one of the awards Minaj is nominated for.
The “Starships” rapper’s other nominations included Favorite Artist in Rap/Hip-Hop, Album in Rap/Hip-Hop genre and Favorite Album in Pop/Rock. She took to her Twitter page to express her gratitude and thank her fans for their support. “4 nominations?!?!?! Whoa! Thank you so very much to the American Music Awards. Very, very grateful. Luvu Barbz!!! mmmmuuuaaaahhhh!!!!” she tweeted.
Justin Bieber along with One Direction, Maroon 5, Drake and Usher are up for three nominations each. There has also been a new category for electronic music added to the roster and Calvin Harris, David Guetta and Skrillex are all nominated in that category. In addition, pop star and host of “The Voice” Christina Aguilera was as announced as a performer and remains the only one that has been confirmed.
Online voting for the awards began yesterday and the winners will be announced during the ceremony, which will air on November 18. This year’s AMAs will be special since it is the 40th show and will be the first one since creator Dick Clark’s death. According show producer Larry Klein, Clark’s memory will be honored throughout the show. “Terrific performances, outrageous acceptance speeches — those moments when you feel strong emotion,” said Klein. “Dick used to say we’re an entertainment show with awards in it and I like wall-to-wall music. It’s a celebration of music.”
