Rihanna, Nicki Minaj Lead 40th American Music Awards Nominations

Skrillex, David Guetta up for new EDM favorite artist category

Rolling Stone

Reporter

Rolling Stone's Most Recent Stories

View All

Rihanna and Nicki Minaj lead this year’s American Music Awards nominations with four each, including an Artist of the Year nod for Rihanna alongside Justin Bieber, Drake, Maroon 5 and Katy Perry.

Drake, Bieber, Maroon 5, One Direction and Usher each secured three nominations, while Carrie Underwood, Chris Brown, fun., Gotye, J. Cole, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan, Pitbull and Perry received two each.

Several on that list are also up for for this year’s New Artist of the Year trophy, including J. Cole, fun., Gotye, Carly Rae Jepsen and One Direction.

This year also marks the introduction of a brand new category: “Favorite Artist – Electronic Dance Music,” with David Guetta, Calvin Harris and Skrillex receiving nominations.

Christina Aguilera unveiled the nominees for the 40th AMAs this morning in Los Angeles; the singer also announced that she would be performing at this year’s festivities, which air live Sunday, November 18th, on ABC. As they have the past six years, fans will be able to vote for this year’s winners online starting today.

You can check out the full list of nominees below:

Artist of the Year
Justin Bieber
Drake
Maroon 5
Katy Perry
Rihanna

New Artist of the Year
J. Cole
fun.
Gotye
Carly Rae Jepsen
One Direction

POP/ROCK
Favorite Male Artist
Justin Bieber
Flo Rida
Pitbull
Usher

Favorite Female Artist
Kelly Clarkson
Nicki Minaj
Katy Perry
Rihanna

Favorite Band, Duo or Group
fun.
Maroon 5
One Direction
The Wanted

Favorite Album
Justin Bieber – Believe
Maroon 5 – Overexposed
Nicki Minaj – Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded
One Direction – Up All Night

COUNTRY
Favorite Male Artist
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Eric Church

Favorite Female Artist
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Zac Brown Band
Lady Antebellum
Rascal Flatts

Favorite Album
Luke Bryan – Tailgates & Tanlines
Lionel Richie – Tuskegee
Carrie Underwood – Blown Away

RAP/HIP-HOP
Favorite Artist
Drake
Nicki Minaj
Tyga