Mariah Carey Leads American Music Award Nominations

Hey, wanna receive numerous nominations for the American Music Awards? Just don't release an album.

That strategy seems to have paid off for Mariah Carey, who's last CD hit stores a year and a half ago. Nevertheless, for the second consecutive year, Mimi leads the nominations at the Dick Clark-produced trophyfest.

Carey, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Black Eyed Peas and Nickelback each snagged a field-best three nods for this year's event.

Mariah is once again up for Favorite Female Artist in both the Pop/Rock and Soul/Rhythm & Blues categories, as well as a nod for Favorite Album in the latter category.

Fergie and her fellow Peas are up for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album, along with Favorite Artist in both Rap/Hip-Hop and Soul/Rhythm & Blues.

Also racking up multiple nominations were virtually any artists who managed to score some airplay this year: Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Eminem, Kanye West, Jamie Foxx, Rascal Flatts, T.I., Carrie Underwood and Pussycats Dolls all scored two nods apiece.

Underwood and the Pussycat Dolls will do battle with Chamillionaire in the redundantly named Favorite New Breakthrough Artist race.