LOS ANGELES , Olivia Rodrigo has had a wonderful year. She is the American Music Awards’ leading nominee in her first year.
The Disney actress and singer-songwriter made waves with hits from “Sour,” her debut album in 2021. This record earned seven nominations at this year’s AMAs, including artist and new artist. The fan-voted awards show, which will air in Los Angeles on ABC Nov. 21, received the nominations on Thursday.
Rodrigo would be in good company if she wins the majority of the awards for which she is nominated. Justin Bieber and Olivia Newton-John are tied for four of the awards they won their first year being nominated.
Six nominations have been made for The Weeknd, a five-time winner, who is up against Rodrigo in this year’s artist of the Year category, along with Drake, Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift.
Five nominations for Reggaeton stars Bad Bunny and Giveon, as well as R&B newcomer Giveon. Rodrigo joins Giveon and 24KGoldn in the category of new artist-of-the year. Masked Wolf, Rodrigo, and The Kid LAROI are also nominated.
Swift currently holds the record as the most-awarded artist in AMA history. She could extend that streak. Swift is up for three awards, including the favorite pop album award for “evermore”.
This year, the AMAs introduced new categories, such as favorite song on the charts, favorite gospel artist, and favorite Latin duo/group.
Pop Smoke, the rapper who died in 2020, has been nominated for three categories including favorite hip hop album and favorite artist. He could also win his first posthumous award.
Morgan Wallen, a country star, was nominated in two categories. However, he is recognized by MRC Live & Alternative which produces the AMA Awards.
Wallen was caught using a racial slur in a video. This led to other awards shows to disqualify Wallen or from specific categories. His 2021 album, “Dangerous: the Double Album”, spent 10 consecutive weeks at the top of Billboard 200’s all-genre Billboard 200 charts. This despite controversy surrounding his remarks. After a temporary suspension, he has since apologized . His music was then reinstated to country radio airplay.
MRC Live & Alternative stated in a press release that his nominations were based upon Billboard charts. However, he was not included in the awards show because of “his conduct doesn’t align with our core values.”
“We will evaluate his progress as an ally to Black communities and will consider his participation on future shows,” MRC Live & Alternative stated in the statement.
