“2008 American Music Awards (AMAs)” host Jimmy Kimmel and recording artists Julianne Hough and Jesse McCartney revealed the American Music Awards nominees this morning from the Beverly Hills Hotel (see full list of nominees below). Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Taylor Swift, the Pussycat Dolls and New Kids on The Block were also announced as performers for the 36th annual AMAs, joining previously named performers the Jonas Brothers and P!nk. Additional acts and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

The live broadcast will take place at the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23rd (8:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT) on ABC. Tickets are now on sale (please visit http://www.ticketmaster.com or call 1-877-AEG-TICKETS).

For the second year, winners will be determined by online voting at amavote.com, the official voting location (votes will be collected from October 14 to November 7). Artists will be honored in the categories of Pop/Rock, Country, Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Latin and Contemporary Inspirational. Fans can go to the official homepage of the “2008 American Music Awards,” ama.abc.com, to find performer and presenter announcements, artist information, etc …

This years nominees for the country music portion of the awards are:

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FAVORITE MALE ARTIST

1. Garth Brooks
2. Kenny Chesney
3. Brad Paisley

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST

1. Reba McEntire
2. Taylor Swift
3. Carrie Underwood

FAVORITE BAND, DUO OR GROUP

1. Brooks & Dunn
2. Rascal Flatts
3. Sugarland

FAVORITE ALBUM

1. Garth Brooks/ The Ultimate Hits
2. Rascal Flatts/ Still Feels Good
3. Carrie Underwood/Carnival Ride