Nominations for the 2012 American Music Awards, to be handed out November 18 on ABC, were announced Tuesday. Nicki Minaj and Rihanna lead the nominations with four nominations apiece. Drake, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, One Direction and Usher all received three nods each. This year also marks the creation of a new electronic dance music category.
The award that is regarded the most important is that of Artist of The Year. This year, the nominations are:
Justin Bieber
Drake
Maroon 5
Katy Perry
Rihanna
Christina Aguilera announced the nominations early Tuesday morning. This will be the 40th American Music Awards Program and will be hosted at the Nokia Theatre in Hollywood.
The American Music Awards were created by showman Dick Clark in 1973 as an alternative to the Grammy Awards; they honor achievements in popular music and the recording business. The awards salute the entire spectrum of music, from country-western stars to Soul singers, as well as hard rock, rap and traditional.
The crystal trophy for the American Music Awards is in pyramid shape. Roberta Flack won the first trophy in 1973. Since then, more than 30 awards are given each year. The American Music Award is basically a popularity contest based on a poll of CD buyers. The record for the most American Music Awards is 22 which both Whitney Houston andAlabamahave received.
The American Music Awards show is broadcast live on network TV each year. It attracts the biggest names in the music business. They appear live on stage as performers, presenters, recipients, and sometimes hosts. The show is not about awards so much as it is about musical performances. Acceptance speeches are limited to 45 seconds. Many notable stars have hosted the show including Elton John, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Glen Campbell, and Natalie Cole.
Clay Aiken attended and participated in the American Music Awards three different years. OnNovember 16, 2003, Clay attended the show with Amber Nix. He performed Invisible and Jesus in Love as a duet with Ruben. Clay won the Fan’s Choice Award.
The next year, on November 14th, Clay presented the Favorite Male Artist Award. Kathy Griffin walked out wearing a wedding dress and declaring her love for Clay. “I think your obsession with me has gone too far,” was Clay’s retort.
Finally, on November 21, 2006, Jimmy Kimmel was the host. He introduced Clay by saying
“It’s no surprise that our next guests wanted to present together, as you probably read in all of the tabloids, she is carrying his baby. Just back from their lavish wedding in Rome, Tori Spelling and Clay Aiken.”
They walk out hand in hand. Another highlight of the evening came when Clay poked fun at his “Live” spat with Kelly Ripa. Clay spoofed his hand-over-the-mouth exchange with the talk show host while he and Tori Spelling were onstage to introduce John Mayer. As Clay introduced the singer, Tori placed her hand over his mouth, saying, “And I’ll tell you where that hand has been later.”
Although the show is not my favorite to watch, I hope that Clay will attend again and receive another award.
Typical of Clay, his look at each show was dramatically different.
Which look is you favorite from the AMA’s?
#1 - 2003
#2 - 2003
#3 - 2004
#4 - 2004
#5 - 2004
#6 - 2006
#7 - 2006
#8 -2006
#9 - 2006