Shania Twain, Will Smith, Celine Dion Lead AMA Nominations

Nominations for the 26th annual American Music Awards, which will be handed out at an ABC-televised ceremony in Los Angeles on Jan. 11, were announced Monday (Nov. 23), and leading the pack with five overall nominations is country/pop singer Shania Twain, followed by rapper-actor Will Smith with four.

Pop diva Celine Dion came in next with three nominations, while rockers Third Eye Blind scored two -- Favorite New Artist in the Pop/Rock category and Favorite Artist in the Alternative category, where they'll compete with Green Day and Pearl Jam. The reunited Blondie (allstar, Nov. 16) and country band the Dixie Chicks are the first performers to be announced for the AMAs.

Blondie will play the title track from their new album No Exit with special guest Coolio.

Other artists expected to appear on the show as either presenters or performers include Third Eye Blind, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Backstreet Boys, Master P, Garth Brooks, Usher, Brandy, and Cher. More announcements regarding performers will be made over the next two weeks.

Nominations for selected American Music Awards categories:

Pop Rock
     Favorite Male Artist:
       Eric Clapton, Puff Daddy, Will Smith


     Favorite Female Artist:
       Brandy, Celine Dion, Shania Twain


     Favorite Band, Duo, Group: 
       Aerosmith, Backstreet Boys, Matchbox 20


     Favorite Album: 
       Let's Talk About Love (Celine Dion), 
       Big Willie Style (Will Smith), 
       Come On Over (Shania Twain)

     Favorite New Artist: 
       Natalie Imbruglia, 'NSync, Third Eye Blind

 Soul/Rhythm & Blues 

     Favorite Male Artist: 
        Mase, Brian McKnight, Will Smith



     Favorite Female Artist: 
        Aaliyah, Brandy, Janet Jackson

     Favorite Band, Duo, Group: 
        K-Ci & JoJo, Next, Escape

     Favorite Album: 
        Love Always (K-Ci & JoJo), Anytime (Brian McKnight),
        Big Willie Style (Will Smith)

     Favorite New Artist: 
       Lauryn Hill, LSG, Next

 Alternative

     Favorite Artist: 
       Green Day, Pearl Jam, Third Eye Blind

 Rap/Hip-hop

     Favorite Artist: 
       Beastie Boys, Master P, Puff Daddy

 Soundtracks

     Favorite Soundtrack: 
       Armageddon, City of Angels, Titanic