Rising rap duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis will face off against the likes of Rihanna, Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake as the nominations for the 41st Annual American Music Awards were announced Thursday morning.
will.i.am and Kelly Clarkson revealed the five key categories live Thursday on “Good Morning America.” Afterwards, they headed over to a press conference at B.B. King’s Blues Club in Times Square to reveal the rest of the nominees.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis topped the list with six, including Artist of the Year, New Artist of the Year and Single of the Year, for “Thrift Shop.” Timberlake scored five nominations, including Favorite Male Soul/R&B Artist and Favorite Male Pop/Rock Artist and Album. Taylor Swift, Rihanna and Robin Thicke nabbed four nominations each.
The Black Eyed Peas frontman confirmed that Miley Cyrus and Imagine Dragons will perform at this year’s ceremony, which will air live on ABC from Los Angeles’ Nokia Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 8 p.m.
Winners are selected by public vote conducted at amavote.com. Here’s a look at the categories announced so far:
Artist of the Year
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Bruno Mars
Rihanna
Taylor Swift
Justin Timberlake
New Artist of the Year
Florida Georgia Line
Ariana Grande
Imagine Dragons
Mackemore & Ryan Lewis
Phillip Phillips
Favorite Female Artist—Pop/Rock
Pink
Rihanna
Taylor Swift
Favorite Male Artist—Soul/R&B
Miguel
Robin Thicke
Timberlake
Single of the Year
“Cruise”, by Florida Georgia Line, featuring Nelly
“Thrift Shop,” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, featuring Wanz
“Blurred Lines,” by Robin Thicke featuring Pharrell and T.I.
