Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson dominate American Music Awards nominations [UPDATED]
A fast-rising country superstar and a fallen pop icon dominate the nominees for the 2009 American Music Awards. Taylor Swift, who was the bestselling artist of 2008, leads all nominees for the fan-voted gala with six, including recognition in the artist of the year field. Yet in major categories she'll be up against sentimental favorite Michael Jackson, who has dominated sales and headlines since his death June 25.
Jackson received five nominations, including artist of the year, favorite pop/rock album, favorite soul/R&B artist and favorite soul/R&B album. Unlike the industry-voted Grammy Awards, the American Music Awards base their nominations on sales and radio data from Nielsen. Expect the American Music Awards to play out as a tribute of sorts to Jackson, allowing his 2003 greatest hits package "Number Ones" to score a nod for favorite album, where it will compete against Lady Gaga's "The Fame" and Swift's "Fearless."
The American Music Awards will air live for the East Coast from downtown's Nokia Theatre on ABC at 8 p.m. Nov. 22. The awards are determined by onling voting from fans.
After Jackson's death, his "Number Ones" surged to the top of the charts. It sold more than 440,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan, in the 10 days following the star's death. It may very well end up as 2009's top-selling album. Jackson was featured heavily on the first-ever American Music Awards broadcast in 1974, and has a total of 20 American Music Awards trophies as a solo artist, including one for artist of the century, according to an AMA spokeswoman.
In 2009, SoundScan reports that Jackson's "Number Ones" has moved a total of 1.9 million copies. Swift's "Fearless" ranks as the year's second-best selling album thus far, having sold 1.8 million copies.
Swift remains on track for a blessed award season. After securing an entertainer of the year nomination at the Country Music Awards, Swift snared American Music Award nominations in major country and pop categories. In addition to artist of the year and favorite album, she's up for favorite country female artist, as well as favorite pop/rock female artist.
Competing with Swift and Jackson for album of the year are Southern rock act Kings of Leon, pop star Lady Gaga and rapper Eminem. Completely left out of all major nominations, however, is Kanye West, who faced heavy industry and fan criticism after interrupting an acceptance speech from Swift at the recent MTV Video Music Awards. The rapper was a top performer on last year's telecast, where he unveiled "Heartless" on national television, but his "808s & Heartbreak" failed to receive any recognition in the rap, R&B or pop fields.
Up for favorite soul/R&B album is Beyoncé's "I Am ... Sasha Fierce, " Black Eyed Peas' "The E.N.D." and Jackson's "Number Ones." In the rap/hip-hop field, Eminem's "Relapse" will compete against Jay-Z's recently released "Blueprint 3" and T.I.'s "Paper Trail."
Kings of Leon have had a breakout sales year for 2008's "Only by the Night," which has sold 1.4 million copies to date, according to Nielsen SoundScan, and the act was rewarded with three nominations. In addition to its artist of the year nod, the act will compete for favorite alternative rock artist with Green Day and Shinedown.
In the country field, Swift's "Fearless" is up against "Unstoppable" from Rascal Flatts and the Zac Brown Band's "The Foundation." Teen star Miley Cyrus was represented twice in the favorite soundtrack category, once for "Hannah Montana: The Movie" and once for "Hannah Montana 3," the latest television soundtrack. But Cyrus will be challenged by the soundtrack to movie phenom "Twilight."
The American Music Awards share downtown's L.A. Live complex with the Grammy Awards. The latter will announce its nominees in prime time shortly following the American Music Awards on Dec. 2.
-- Todd Martens
Photo: Taylor Swift. Credit: Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times
Complete Nominations for the 2009 American Music Awards
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kings of Leon
Taylor Swift
Lady Gaga
Eminem
Michael Jackson
POP/ROCK -- Favorite Male Artist
Eminem
Michael Jackson
T.I.
POP/ROCK -- Favorite Female Artist
Beyoncé
Lady Gaga
Taylor Swift
POP/ROCK -- Favorite Band, Duo or Group
The Black Eyed Peas
Kings of Leon
Nickelback
POP/ROCK -- Favorite Album
"The Fame" -- Lady Gaga
"Number Ones" -- Michael Jackson
"Fearless" -- Taylor Swift
COUNTRY -- Favorite Male Artist
Jason Aldean
Darius Rucker
Keith Urban
COUNTRY -- Favorite Female Artist
Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
COUNTRY -- Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland
Zac Brown Band
COUNTRY -- Favorite Album
"Unstoppable" -- Rascal Flatts
"Fearless" -- Taylor Swift
"The Foundation" -- Zac Brown Band
RAP/HIP-HOP -- Favorite Male Artist
Eminem
Jay-Z
T.I.
RAP/HIP-HOP - Favorite Album
"Relapse" -- Eminem
"Blueprint 3" -- Jay-Z
"Paper Trail" -- T.I.
SOUL/R&B - Favorite Male Artist
Jamie Foxx
Michael Jackson
Maxwell
SOUL/R&B -- Favorite Female Artist
Beyoncé
Keyshia Cole
Keri Hilson
SOUL/R&B -- Favorite Band, Duo or Group
The Black Eyed Peas
Day26
Mary Mary
SOUL/R&B -- Favorite Album
"I Am...Sasha Fierce" -- Beyoncé
"The E.N.D." -- the Black Eyed Peas
"Number Ones" -- Michael Jackson
SOUNDTRACKS -- Favorite Album
"Hannah Montana: The Movie"
"Hannah Montana 3"
"Twilight Soundtrack"
ALTERNATIVE ROCK -- Favorite Artist
Green Day
Kings of Leon
Shinedown
ADULT CONTEMPORARY -- Favorite Artist
Daughtry
Jason Mraz
Taylor Swift
LATIN -- Favorite Artist
Aventura
Luis Fonsi
Wisin y Yandel
CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL -- Favorite Artist
Jeremy Camp
Brandon Heath
Mary Mary
UPDATED: This post was updated at 12:38 p.m. to add a full list of nominees. Additionally, originally this post stated Michael Jackson won 22 American Music Awards. As a solo artist, Jackson has 20 AMA trophies to his name, according to an AMA spokeswoman.
I have a pet peeve: Why did they put Taylor Swift up against Michael Jackson?
After that, Swift will probably win one award.
Jackson will probably win all of them. And i like Michael Jackson.
Now I start to think that Swift will get snubbed at the Grammy’s for Album of the Year.
Like I have predicted and have always been proven right, they do whatever they want and momentum means the most. I bet Whitney leads the Grammy nominations.
Posted by: Matt | October 13, 2009 at 12:09 PM
Posted October 13, 2009 12:37 PM Hide Post
Michael Jackson
Artist of the year - Soul / Rhythm & Blues Music
Favorite male artist - Pop or Rock Music
Favorite male artist - Soul / Rhythm & Blues Music
"Number Ones" Favorite album - Pop or Rock Music
"Number Ones" Favorite Album - Soul / Rhythm & Blues Music
I love Michael but that's why the AMA's are not credit worthy awards and i never predict them or take them seriously. It's based on sales only. I learned today an artist can win an award without doing anything but having momentum. Rest in Peace Taylor (RIP) at this last awards show for you. I think these will be Taylor Swift nails in the coffin as far an anymore award nominations, i suspect a grammy snub in the future yes.
Posted by: Matt | October 13, 2009 at 12:47 PM
I think it's great that Michael Jackson was nominate for all these awards - I'll be so disappointed if he doesn't win artist of the year.
Posted by: LM | October 13, 2009 at 12:49 PM
No Whitney Houston!!!! How could THE QUEEN not get in? :( She deserves it, she really dominated the AMAs back in the '80s and '90s, and given how many critics love her new I Look To You album, she doesn't get nominated. Jay-Z's album was eligible (released after Whitney's), so I'm really saddened by what happens, this was supposed to be a big comeback for her. :(
Whitney! Whitney! Whitney! Whitney! Come back and we love you! Please make a surprise appearance and perform!
Posted by: Michael | October 13, 2009 at 01:15 PM
And the over exposure for Michael Jackson continues. Nominate him for whatever, he is still a pervert.
Posted by: Scott | October 13, 2009 at 01:31 PM
who cares?it's all about Michael .I hope he wins them all.BUT if he doesn't it's okay,he has won plenty while he was living..I really hope Jermaine is not the one to accept them ,I wish his mom would accept for him if he wins,or maybe his son Prince..just an idea for the producers.
Posted by: ARONA | October 13, 2009 at 01:36 PM
MICHAEL JACKSONNNNN! I am obessed with Michael, and I want to say, there's a problam if MICHAEL JACKSON is nominated for something he doesn't win. Seriously, I will beat every last one of yall if you win Michael's award, I know he passed away and it's like, why are you giving a dead person an award? CUZ MICHAEL IS THE BEST ENTERTAINER OF ALLLLL TIME!
Get it?
Posted by: Taylor Broussard | October 13, 2009 at 02:48 PM
Taylor Swift is listed among some of the best in the business and she deserves the recognition. This young lady has a very bright future ahead of her and I congratulate her on the success she has acheived.
Now if there was a reason for me to go back to California it would be to see many of my favorite country stars and of course the Dodgers when they get in the World Series. Good luck to everybody.
Posted by: JR Jake | October 13, 2009 at 04:44 PM
_In a fan-voted contest such as the American Music Awards, current pop stars such as Swift and Gaga probably don't stand a chance. _
So AMA decided who to put in the categories, THEN we fans vote? Shouldnt we fans be selecting who is in category initally? I love MJ but I dont think he should be nom'd as his music isnt new. He has won 20 AMAs already from when his music was 1st released.
Posted by: lilkunta | October 13, 2009 at 05:47 PM
love love michael
registered just to vote for him
Posted by: blondy | October 13, 2009 at 05:55 PM
This is AWESOME! I'm so proud of Taylor Swift for the support she's gathered. And LONG LIVE THE KING!!!! 18 years Michael has been my hero and i am 18 years old. He's amazing always has been and always will be. We miss him so much but he so deserves this!!! <3
Posted by: Carolyn Powers | October 13, 2009 at 07:46 PM
You know I have to say that this seems odd to me that MJ is nominated. Not to be disrespectful to him, I’m a big fan, but I feel he only got nominated for ratings and because he died. If anything he should have been getting a life time achievement award! I just don’t agree with it, and I feel he wouldn’t either because he had pride and knew that he should not be nominated for something he has not done or perfected. He really had nothing out for years before he died. it does not fit the bill! And on that note, none of them really do anything for me except KINGS OF LEON.
Posted by: magicsinheaven | October 13, 2009 at 08:27 PM
Michael Jackson had Christ-Like character qualities. IN LIFE AND NOW, IN DEATH, HE IS BEING SELECTED FOR THINGS THAT RIGHTEOUSLY DESERVING BUT SOME HUMAN BEINGS WANT TO QUESTION IT OR PUT A NEGATIVE SPIN ON IT.
Michael Jackson honestly, severely and dedicately loved and cared about people and the world. Good or bad hearted people felt it all over the world. I always could sense that he felt that he could help heal the sick and afflicted. Now, since he had to die so mysteriously due to the need to sleep, the negative people world needs to just stay silent and let the will of God give some justice.
Posted by: kyrann May-Haynes | October 13, 2009 at 08:27 PM
Awesome!
Posted by: Piggy Palace the other Huffington Post | October 13, 2009 at 09:52 PM
Why is Taylor Swift nominated for pop/rock, country, adult contemporary. Why not have each artist in one category, with an overall winner that shows total popularity? Seems like everyone is in every category.
Posted by: Susie | October 14, 2009 at 07:43 AM
I LOVE YOU MICHAEL!!!!!!!!!!!!
i miss you deeply every single second of every single day.
thank you, ama, fopr putting a much needed smile on my face.
michael is not the artist of the year. michael is "the artist"
he was the most talented, loving, brilliant performer on earth... now he's the brightest star in the sky.
we miss you michael... we'll never stop loving you!!!
no one could ever compare... we love you, our angel :)
Posted by: S.A. | October 14, 2009 at 08:24 AM
I LOVE YOU MICHAEL!!!!!!!!!!!!
i miss you deeply every single second of every single day.
thank you, AMA, for putting a much needed smile on my face.
michael is not "the artist of the year." michael is, simply, "the artist"
he was the most talented, loving, brilliant performer on earth... now he's the brightest star in the sky.
we miss you michael... we'll never stop loving you!!!
no one could ever compare... we love you, our angel :)
Posted by: S.A. | October 14, 2009 at 08:26 AM
MICHAEL JACKSON,DESERVES,ALL PRIZES!
Posted by: CC | October 19, 2009 at 01:55 PM
WHERE IS THE OTHER COMMENT?
Posted by: CC | October 19, 2009 at 01:57 PM
For all the haters, MJ is nominated because Number Ones is the top selling album of 2009, and the actual charts for next week, it finished in the top 10. The album is less than 20k away from 2M in 2009.
Posted by: Das | October 20, 2009 at 02:42 PM
i like taylor swift but she's not all that great to me
i mean she is a great artist ...and is very popular ..but she wasnt really all that popular until after that thing with kayne west..then she really became famous
Posted by: kayla | November 14, 2009 at 04:01 PM
MICHAEL JACKSON, ALL THE WAY!! ;) XXXXXXXXXXX
He deserves this.. I will be extremely upset if he does not win these. I wouldnt be suprised if he won them all by a landslide. I love you Michael! x :) xxxxxxxx
Posted by: Gemmaa x | November 22, 2009 at 08:41 AM
haha the only awards Mike WON'T win this year are the "female artists" ones. He's got this thing in the bag ^_^
Posted by: Valerie | November 22, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Michael I love you... Michael deserves to win all the awards...... I mean, he is the king of pop..... If he doesn't win them, then something must be really going wrong.....
But anyway, Michael hasn't got a thing to prove anyone... He'll always be the best...
To all you haters, you don't know athing about Michael...
So shut up, and think first...
Don't say the first stupid thing it comes to your mind....
I love you Michael....
L.O.V.E.!!! Heal the world!!!! <3<3<3
Posted by: Veronica | November 22, 2009 at 12:42 PM