Rihanna, Nicki Minaj lead American Music Awards nominations

Rihanna and Nicki Minaj led nominations for the American Music Awards with four apiece on Tuesday, edging out stiff competition from pop sensations Justin Bieber and One Direction.  

The nominations were announced by Christina Aguilera, who will be performing at the show.

Rihanna was nominated in the top category – artist of the year – where she will compete with Bieber, Katy Perry, Maroon 5 and Drake.  She also won nods for female soul/R&B artist and album for “Talk That Talk,” and will battle Minaj in the female pop/rock artist category.

Minaj scored two nods for her album “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” in both the pop/rock and rap/hip hop categories this year, as well as a nomination for favorite rap artist, alongside Drake and newcomer Tyga.

Bieber landed three nominations this year, tying with British boy band One Direction, Maroon 5, Drake and Usher.

The AMA winners are determined by fans through online voting.  

Aguilera said that no matter who takes home a trophy, all nominees are sure to have a good time.

“It’s an amazing platform and an amazing opportunity to be part of so much talent and just being around the creative energy of all the genres coming together of music and supporting each other.  At this point, you don’t take things too seriously.  This is all fun and it’s all a celebration of what we love to do and that’s music and that’s creativity.”

The American Music Awards will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and the ceremony and performance show will be broadcast live from Los Angeles on November 18.

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