Michael Jackson has a chance to win artist of the year posthumously at the American Music Awards.
The pop superstar, who died on June 25, was among a diverse group of artists nominated Tuesday for the top honor. Country star Taylor Swift, rapper Eminem, breakthrough rockers Kings of Leon and flamboyant pop star Lady Gaga were the other nominees.
Swift topped all artists with six nominations. She drew inadvertent attention at the MTV Video Music Awards last month when rapper Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech to say Beyonce deserved the award instead. Jackson followed Swift with five nominations and Eminem received four.
Winners are determined by an online vote of fans and will be announced at a Los Angeles ceremony televised by ABC on Nov. 22. The nominees were selected through a measurement combining sales and radio airplay.
Jackson was also nominated as favorite male artist along with Eminem and imprisoned rapper T.I. The late singer’s “Number Ones” album was nominated for favorite album, along with Lady Gaga’s “Fame” and Swift’s “Fearless.”
T.I. was nominated for favorite male rap star, and his “Paper Trail” disc was nominated for favorite rap album of the year. T.I. won two trophies last weekend at the BET Hip-Hop awards but could not attend the show because he is an Arkansas penitentiary on a federal weapons conviction.
The favorite female artist nominees were Lady Gaga, Swift and Beyonce. Black Eyed Peas, nominated for best duo or group along with Kings of Leon and Nickelback, will perform on the show. Alicia Keys and Jennifer Lopez are also scheduled for performances. American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert will use the show to debut songs from his upcoming album.
Swift also has a chance to win best country album, best adult contemporary artist and best female country artist. Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood are also in the running for best female country artist.
Courtesy AFP
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