Michael Jackson gets 5 AMA nominations

A fast-rising country star and alate pop star led the pack as the American Music Awards nominations were announced Tuesday.

Michael Jackson, who died June 25 at age 50, has five posthumous nominations, including a nod for artist of the year.

Country sensation Taylor Swift,who leadsthe fan-voted awards with six nominations, as well as rapper Eminem, rock act Kings of Leon and pop star Lady Gaga also are up for artist of the year, the most prestigious AMA award.

Canadian rockers Nickelback have a nomination for best rock group, competing against the Black Eyed Peas and Kings of Leon.

Jackson, dubbed the King of Pop,is up for best male artist, and his Number Ones is up for best album.

Jackson may be a sentimental favourite among fans, but his questionable image in the final years of his life could hurt his chances.

Swift is an emerging powerhouse, with nominations for best female artist and best album for Fearless.

She drew inadvertent attention at the MTV Video Music Awards last month when rapper Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech for best video to complain that Beyonc hadn't won. West latermade apologies to the young country star.

She's competing with Beyonc again for best female artist, along with Lady Gaga.Swift isalso up for best country and contemporary artist, competing against Daughtry and Jason Mraz.

Eminem and imprisoned rapper T.I. had multiple nominations.T.I., who is in jail on federal weapons charges, was nominated for favourite male rap star and his Paper Trail disc was nominated for best rap album of the year.

He missed out last weekend on two wins at the BET Hip-Hop awards.

The AMA winners will be announced at a Los Angeles ceremonyon Nov. 22.