BEIJING, Sept. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- Mariah Carey, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Black Eyed Peas and Nickelback each earned three nominations for the 2006 American Music Awards, taking the lead in the music industry’s trophy festival.

For the second consecutive year, Mariah Carey, "The Emancipation of Mimi," diva is 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.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers, who also led the nominations for last month's MTV Video Music Awards, are competing for Favorite Artist in the Alternative Music category, and Favorite Band, Duo or Group and Favorite Album for their "Stadium Arcadium" in the Pop/Rock field. Their primary challenger in all three races seems to be Nickelback.

The Black Eyed Peas were nominated for favorite rap/hip-hop band, and favorite album "Monkey Business" in both the rap/hip-hop and soul/R&B categories.

Nine artists received two nominations each: Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kanye West, Jamie Foxx, T.I., Rascal Flatts, Pussycat Dolls, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

Winners will be picked by a survey of about 20,000 listeners. The awards will be given out in a Nov. 21 ceremony in Los Angeles that will be broadcast live on ABC from the Shrine Auditorium. Enditem

(Agencies)