London - Nicki Minaj and Rihanna lead the nominations for the 2012 American Music Awards (AMAs).
The two singers are each in the running for four awards, with Drake, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, One Direction and Usher following narrowly behind with three nods apiece.
Justin, Rihanna, Maroon 5, Drake and Katy Perry will battle it out for the coveted Artist of the Year prize, while J. Cole, Fun, Gotye, Carly Rae Jepsen and One Direction are all up for New Artist of the Year.
Nicki's four nominations are for Favourite Female Artist - Pop/Rock, Favourite Artist - Rap/ Hip Hop, Favourite Album - Pop/Rock and Favourite Album - Rap/ Hip Hop for Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded.
As well as Artist of the Year, Rihanna is also up for Favourite Female Artist - Pop/Rock, Favourite Female Artist - Soul/R&B and Favourite Album - Soul/R&B for Talk That Talk.
A new category has been introduced this year, Favourite Artist - Electronic Dance Music (EDM), in which David Guetta, Calvin Harris and Skrillex will do battle.
Christina Aguilera - who announced the nominations in Los Angeles on Tuesday - is the first performer to be announced for the ceremony, which takes place at Los Angeles's Nokia theatre on November 18.
Voting opens online for the awards on Tuesday. - Bang Showbiz