On Nov. 18, ABC’s telecast of the American Music Awards.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the award show, originally created by Dick Clark in 1972 as competition for the Grammy Awards.
This year’s performances will be a star-studded event, featuring appearances by Christina Aguilera, Justin Bieber, Kelly Clarkson, Ke$ha, Linkin Park, Nicki Minaj, No Doubt, P!nk, Pitbull, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Usher and The Wanted.
The major difference between the AMAs and the Grammys is the AMAs are decided based on a combination of album sales, airplay and for the sixth year in-a-row, viewer votes.
Nicki Minaj and Rihanna each lead all artists with four nominations each.
Here is a rundown of each category, as well as a few predictions of what may go down on Sunday.
Artist of the Year
Who should win: Drake
Take Care will most likely go down as Drake’s masterpiece.
It made him an even bigger star than he already was, while not compromising his artistic integrity.
He ventured out on his first headlining tour, curated his own music festival in his hometown and also let the world in on the diamond in the rough that is The Weeknd.
This was Drake’s year – hands down.
Who will win: Justin Bieber
The above prediction is not meant to take anything away from Bieber.
Any pop star of boy band-level status will get the Timberlake-comparison.
While his transition to an adult musician may not be as highly praised, the Biebs did elevate his game on Believe and he did craft a pretty good pop album.
Is he more deserving than Drake or anyone else on this list? That’s debatable.
But when it comes down to the album sales, air play and online votes, it’s a no-brainer that Bieber Fever will continue to dominate.
Favorite Male Artist
Who should win: Usher
Usher has become somewhat of a renaissance with his last few years.
With the popularity of EDM in the R&B genre, Usher seamlessly transitioned his smooth voice and spectacular dance moves to once again prove how great of an entertainer he is.
Who will most likely win: Justin Bieber
Not much can be said here that hasn’t already been said.
I full expect Bieber to win any category that has him as a nominee.
Favorite Female Artist
Who should win: Katy Perry
Touring behind a great album, a public marriage and divorce and that big, 3D concert film capped off one helluva year for Ms. Perry.
She’s at the top of her game and should be the odds on favorite to win, but stranger things have happened in the past.
Who will win: Nicki Minaj
Despite all the criticism, Nicki also had a great year, as well, and looks to continue to ride the momentum to more platinum plaques when she re-releases Roman Reloaded later this month with new tracks.
Favorite Country Male Artist
Who should win: No one
I’m not a fan of any of these guys.
I don’t think any of them truly represents country music well.
Surely there were much better choices – where is Blake Shelton in all of this?
The fact that none of them released an album within the Dec. 1 to Sept. 1 consideration deadline makes the choices even more confusing.
If I had to pick one person who “should” win, it’d be Eric Church because he annoys me the least.
Who will probably win: Jason Aldean
He just released an album last month, so maybe that’ll be fresh on voters’ and buyers’ minds.
Also, he annoys me the most, and that’s usually who wins awards I could care less for.
Favorite Country Female Artist
Who should win: Miranda Lambert
Ms. Blake Shelton is one of the last true female country singers on the market today.
Add in the fact that she not only released her fourth studio album this past year, but also fronted an all-girl group that gained national attention, and it would seem this award would be another trophy on her mantle.
Who will probably win: Taylor Swift
Let’s face it, if there’s an award show where Taylor Swift is nominated for an award and her fans are allowed to vote, it’ll most likely go to her. Once again, another slap in the face of country music.
Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist:
Who will win: YMCMB
No matter who wins, the true winner is the label of all three nominated artists (Drake, Nicki Minaj & Tyga), Young Money/Cash Money.
The label was clearly on a role the past year with these three artists releases (as well as Lil Wayne and Tha Carter IV) and there seems to be no signs of the label slowing down.
Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist
Who should win: Trey Songz
Out of the three of these guys, Trey Songz may be the last remaining true R&B singer of the group. By default he should win, but he won’t.
Who will win: Chris Brown
Apparently making danceable hits is enough to get everyone past your former problems, because Chris Brown had a great year.
Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist
Who should (and will) win: Beyonce
4 was outstanding, and truly solidified Beyonce as not just a great pop star, but a great singer and entertainer.