Alicia Keys with five nominations that include Artist of the Year, Favorite Female Artist in Pop / Rock and Soul / R&B categories, has taken firm lead at the 2008 American Music Awards.  She is trailed by Coldplay and the Eagles, with four nominations each, while Chris Brown and Lil Wayne in third place with three apiece are also contenders for artist of the year.

Jimmy Kimmel host of the American Music Awards was joined by Jesse McCartney and Julianne Hough for a press conference held at the Beverly Hills Hotel for announcing the nominees and performers.

The American Music Awards ceremony to be held at on 23rd November 2008 at the Nokia Theatre will be broadcast live on ABC.  Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Taylor Swift and the Pussycat Dolls are among those scheduled to perform during the Awards ceremony.

Winners will be determined by online voting, with votes being accepted till 7th November 2008.