ASHANTI LEADS AMERICAN MUSIC AWARD NOMINATIONS WITH FIVE

Hip-hop and rap dominated the 30^th annual American Music Award nominations on Tuesday, as newcomer Ashanti scored a leading five noms, including mentions in the favorite new artist (in pop/rock and hip-hop/R&B) and favorite album (pop/rock and hip-hop/R&B) categories.

The songbird was also nominated for favorite female artist in the hip-hop/R&B category, where she will take on Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Lopez.

Rappers Eminem and Nelly nabbed four nominations each. Both are nominated for favorite male artist (pop/rock and hip-hop/R&B) and favorite album (pop/rock and hip-hop/R&B).

Ten artists, including Nappy Roots, B2K, Pink, Creed, Linkin Park, Celine Dion, Enrique Iglesias, Alan Jackson, Dixie Chicks and Toby Keith, received two nominations each.

Dion was nominated for favorite female artist in two categories, pop/rock and adult contemporary. Iglesias likewise was nominated for favorite male artist in two categories, pop/rock and Latin music.

Jackson and Keith were both nominated for male country artist and album—Jackson for Drive and Keith for Unleashed.

Other two-time nominees B2K and Nappy Roots, were both nominated for band, duo or group and new artist in hip-hop/R&B, while Creed and Linkin Park, received kudos for band, duo or group in pop/rock and alternative music, and Pink, for female artist and album ("M!ssundaztood") in pop/rock.

The 20 awards will be presented during a ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Jan. 13, aired live on ABC. The Osbourne family—Ozzy, Sharon, Kelly and Jack—will host the event.