Michael Jackson Receives Five American Music Awards Nods

Even in death Michael Jackson remains one of the most popular entertainers of all time. Today (October 13), the late pop superstar received five American Music Awards nominations, running a close second to Taylor Swift, who leads the pack with six nods. (Let's hope that for her sake, Kanye will be nowhere in sight!)

Jackson, who died on June 25, faces stiff competition in the race for AMA statues. He will go up against heavy hitters T.I. and Eminem for the Favorite Male Artist honor and Lady Gaga and Swift in the Favorite Pop/Rock Album category, where he is nominated for his 'Number Ones' album. Other nods Jackson received include the coveted Artist of the Year award.

Eminem also fared well with four nominations for his recently released 'Relapse' album. Em will go head-to-head with T.I. in the Favorite Male Rap/Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album categories. In total Tip, who is currently serving a one-year prison sentence for weapons possession, received three nods.

Beyonce, Swift and Gaga are all up for the Favorite Female Artist award in the pop/rock category, while in the R&B section Beyonce is pitted against Keyshia Cole and Kerri Hilson. Black Eyed Peas received the Best Duo or Group nomination and competing with popular rock bands Kings of Leon and Nickelback.

Alicia Keys and Jennifer Lopez have both signed on to perform during the American Music Awards show, which will air live November 22 from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles.