Rapper Kendrick Lamar leads the field of contenders with 10 nominations at the American Music Awards. The red-carpet show will be broadcast live on CBS starting at 8 p.m., and singer Jennifer Lopez will host.
Winners of the AMAs are selected by fan votes. The top prize, artist of the year, pits Lamar against pop superstar Swift, who has earned more AMAs, 40 over her career, than any other musician. She is also coming off the highest-grossing concert tour in history.
Others in the running for artist of the year are Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Morgan Wallen, Billie Eilish, Zack Bryan and SZA.
‘Not Like Us’, Lamar’s ubiquitous diss track from his longstanding feud with Canadian rapper Drake, is contending for song of the year. Drake has sued Universal Music Group UMG.AS for defamation over its release. Lamar performed ‘Not Like Us’ at February’s Super Bowl, and the song won five Grammys.
Among other AMA nominees, Post Malone is vying for eight awards, including favourite male country artist and favourite country album for ‘F-1 Trillion’. He previously won AMAs in rap/hip hop and pop/rock categories.
Beyonce’s ‘Cowboy Carter’, winner of the top award at this year’s Grammys, was nominated for album of the year and favourite country album at the AMAs. She is also nominated for favourite female country artist.
During the ceremony, Janet Jackson will be honoured with the Icon award, an accolade for artists with global influence, and Rod Stewart will receive a lifetime achievement award.
Performers will include Lopez, Jackson, Stewart, Benson Boone, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Lainey Wilson.
Also Read: Blake Lively is ‘not worth the stress’ for Taylor Swift