Music Show Should Play on Despite Writers Strike

Nov 18, 07:20 AM

Current Headlines: The Associated Press

The American Music Awards is the first in a series of award shows that may be hit by the writers strike.

The effect will not be severe, however. The script for tonight's ceremony was written before the strike began, but there will not be any revisions that would have provided topical jokes for host Jimmy Kimmel.

The program will be broadcast at 8 p.m. on ABC from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. This is Kimmel's fourth time as host.

Beyonce Knowles, Celine Dion, Fergie, Maroon 5, Rihanna, Rascal Flatts, Daughtry, Mary J. Blige and Avril Lavigne are among the performers scheduled to appear.

Also performing on the 35th edition of the awards will be Lenny Kravitz, Alicia Keys, Duran Duran, Chris Brown, Queen Latifah and the Jonas Brothers.

Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Linkin Park and Daughtry lead the pack of nominees, with three nods each.

Twenty categories cover all types of popular music, from rock to hip-hop to Latin to pop to adult contemporary.

Unlike the Grammy Awards, selected by musicians and music- industry professionals, the American Music Awards are determined by 15,000 music fans selected by the show as well as online voting that was open to the public. Voting closed Nov. 2.

The show will also feature appearances by Akon, James Blunt, Kirk Franklin, Josh Groban, Vanessa Hudgens, Slash, Snoop Dogg, Carrie Underwood, Usher and Scott Weiland.

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