Nominations for the "American Music Awards" are in eight categories -- Pop/Rock, Country, Soul/Rhythm & Blues, Rap/Hip-Hop, Adult Contemporary, Latin Music, Contemporary Inspirational and Alternative Music. The nominees are:

Favorite Male Artist:

• 50 Cent
• Will Smith
• Rob Thomas

Favorite Female Artist:

• Mariah Carey
• Kelly Clarkson
• Gwen Stefani

Favorite Band, Duo or Group:

• The Black Eyed Peas
• Green Day
• 3 Doors Down

Favorite Album:

• "The Emancipation Of Mimi" (Mariah Carey)
• "Breakaway" (Kelly Clarkson)
• "American Idiot" (Green Day)

* * *

Favorite Male Artist:

• R. Kelly
• John Legend
• Omarion

Favorite Female Artist:

• Mariah Carey
• Ciara
• Fantasia

Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Destiny’s Child

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Pretty Ricky

Favorite Album:

• "The Emancipation Of Mimi" (Mariah Carey)
• "Destiny Fulfilled" (Destiny’s Child)
• "Free Yourself" (Fantasia)

* * *

Favorite Male Artist:

• Kenny Chesney
• Toby Keith
• Tim McGraw

Favorite Female Artist:

• Martina McBride
• LeAnn Rimes
• Gretchen Wilson

Favorite Band, Duo or Group:

• Big & Rich
• Brooks & Dunn
• Rascal Flatts

Favorite Album:

• "Honkytonk University" (Toby Keith)
• "Live Like You Were Dying" (Tim McGraw)
• "Here For The Party" (Gretchen Wilson)

* * *

Favorite Male Artist:

• Eminem
• 50 Cent
• Ludacris

Favorite Female Artist:

• Missy Elliott
• Lil’ Kim
• Trina

Favorite Band, Duo or Group:

• The Black Eyed Peas
• Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz
• Ying Yang Twins

Favorite Album:

• "Encore" (Eminem)
• "The Massacre" (50 Cent)
• "Urban Legend" (T.I.)

* * *

Favorite Artist:

• Kelly Clarkson
• Maroon 5
• John Mayer

* * *

Favorite Artist:

• Daddy Yankee
• Luis Miguel
• Shakira

* * *

Favorite Artist:

• Coldplay
• Green Day
• System Of A Down

* * *

Favorite Artist:

• Casting Crowns
• Jars Of Clay
• Mary Mary

* * *

Favorite New Artist (All Genres):

• The Killers
• Jesse McCartney
• Sugarland

* * *

Winners of the annual "American Music Awards" are selected by the public. A national sampling of approximately 20,000, taking into account age, sex, geographical location and ethnic origin, have been sent ballots by the National Family Opinion, Inc. firm under the supervision of Broadcast Research and Consulting, Inc. Names of the nominees on the ballots were compiled from data supplied by the music industry trade publication, Radio & Records, and the Soundscan Inc., management information system. Results of the voting, tabulated by the Ernst & Young LLP accounting firm, are kept secret until envelopes are opened during the presentation ceremonies.

Nominations for the awards were announced by singer/writer/producer Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and reggae songstress Rihanna.

The "American Music Awards" special is a presentation of dick clark productions, inc., with Allen Shapiro serving as Executive Producer. Producer is Larry Klein, with Jeff Margolis directing. Writers are Barry Adelman and Fred Bronson. Executive in Charge of Production is Bob Bardo. Associate Producer is Don Harary. John Shaffner and Joe Stewart are the Production Designers. Talent Executive is Melissa Trueblood. Executive in Charge is Fran La Maina.

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