R&B newcomer Alicia Keys scored five American Music Award nominations this week, topping the two nods each received by Janet Jackson, ’N Sync and Destiny’s Child. The Manhattan native, who stormed the charts worldwide this year with her debut album Songs In A Minor and the inescapable single Fallin’, will compete for Favourite Female Artist and Favourite New Artist, among other top prizes, at the January 9 ceremony in Los Angeles.
“Alicia is great. She deserves it,” says chanteuse Jewel, who announced the nominations on Tuesday morning alongside Sean “P Diddy” Combs at the posh Beverly Hills Hotel. “It’s nice to see people who write their own stuff doing well. When I won a Best New Artist AMA it was really fun, because it’s fan-nominated. That’s a great thing. It makes you feel like you are connecting with people.”
Jennifer Lopez and Janet Jackson are also up for Favourite Female Artist in the Pop/Rock category. Lenny Kravitz, R Kelly and Shaggy were singled out for Favourite Male Artist, Pop/Rock.
Irish rockers U2 scored nods for Favourite Band, Duo or Group in the Pop/Rock listing. They’ll square off against the Dave Matthews Band and the lads of 'N Sync.
Destiny’s Child, who found phenomenal success this year with their top-selling disc Survivor, received nods for Favourite R&B Group and for Favourite Album.
The late singer Aaliyah, who died in a tragic plane crash in late August, was recognised for Favourite Female R&B and Favourite R&B album.
Puffy will handle hosting duties for the Shrine Auditorium affair, with bad boy Kid Rock, Cher, Shaggy and country outfit Brooks & Dunn already lined-up to perform. More big name acts will likely sign on as the show approaches.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
