It looks like Rihanna and Nicki Minaj will be the highlights of the upcoming 40th annual American Music Awards. Rihanna and Nicki Minaj top the AMA nominations with 4 each.
Both Rihanna and Nicki Minaj made the headlines over the past weeks and have sparked controversy more than on one occasion. Tuesday’s announcements have Rihanna and Nicki Minaj topping the American Music Awards nominations. The 40th anniversary of the awards show is set for November 18 at the J.W. Marriott Los Angeles.
The three-hour show has Rihanna and Nicki Minaj at the top of the nomination list. Rihanna is competing with Maroon 5, Drake, Katy Perry and Justin Bieber for artist of the year award. Album “Talk That Talk” brought Rihanna another nomination for best album in addition to two other for female soul / R&B artist.
Album “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” had Nicki Minaj nominated twice at pop/rock and rap/hip hop. Nicki Minaj, Drake and Tyga compete for the same award, for favorite rap artist. The new “American Idol” judge will go head-to-head with Rihanna in the female pop/rock artist category.
Drake, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, Usher and One Direction scored three AMA nominations each, while Carrie Underwood, Gotye, Katy Perry and Pitbull have each two. Last year’s favorites Adele and Taylor Swift got only one nomination each.
The 40th AMA introduces this year, for the first time, the Favorite Artist: Electronic Dance Music. DJ stars David Guetta, Calvin Harris and Skrillex were nominated.
But the 40th anniversary of the awards show isn’t just Rihanna and Nicki Minaj’s shot at winning four nominations each. November 18’s event is the first show since the death of creator Dick Clark. AMA producer Larry Klein announced the show will run clips from past editions in addition to 17 live performances.
“Terrific performances, outrageous acceptance speeches – those moments when you feel strong emotion” said producer Larry 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” Klein told Billboard.
Christina Aguilera is the artist that made the nominations announcement and is also the first announced performer at the AMA 2012.
