Ashanti and Eminem up for awards

Eminem has divided his time between music and film

R&B star Ashanti, whose singles include Foolish and Happy, is leading the nominations for the American Music Awards after being named in five categories.

The 22-year-old singer will compete with artists such as Eminem for best album and Jennifer Lopez for best female artist.

Rappers Eminem and Nelly have both been nominated for four awards, including favourite album and male artist in both the hip-hop and pop categories.

Eminem is currently riding high in the album charts and the box office following the success of his acting debut in 8 Mile.

He also just picked up three MTV Europe Music Awards for best male, best album and best hip-hop artist.

Ashanti has scored hits with Foolish and Happy

The American Music Awards competes with the Grammys as one of the biggest ceremonies recognising contemporary music and spans many genres including Latin, pop, country and alternative.

The event, to be held in Los Angeles on 13 January, will be hosted by Ozzy Osbourne and his family.

The rocker's wife Sharon and his two children Jack and Kelly, stars of their own TV show, will be sharing the stage with a host of big name acts.

Country stars

The nominations are based on sales figures and radio play, while the eventual winner is selected by a group of 20,000 music fans.

Ashanti will be up against American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson and rock act Puddle of Mudd for the best newcomer award.

The 2002 award was won by R&B singer Alicia Keys, who has not been nominated in any category for the 2003 ceremony.

Previous country music double winner Tim McGraw is once again nominated for best country star, alongside Toby Keith and Alan Jackson.

Martina McBride, Jo Dee Messina and Lee Ann Womack compete in the female country artist category.

Film soundtracks also have their own category with Lilo and Stich, The Scorpion King and Spider-Man in contention.