The American Music Awards are the only major pop music awards voted on by music fans. The awards will be telecast live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles Sunday, November 18, 2007 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC Television.
My predictions are simply that...predictions. It will be up to the music fans to choose the actual winners. My predicted winner in each category is in bold type. I have included comments on each nominee. I am making predictions only in the Pop/Rock category. Check the full listing of nominations to see who is up for awards in additional categories.
Male Artist
- Akon - Akon has had a strong year both as an artist in his own right and as a guest vocalist on records by other artists. However, his public image was somewhat marred by incidents in concerts both in the Caribbean and the US.
- Timbaland - 2007 has been a phenomenal year for Timbaland. He stepped out from the producer's role into having his own album which has generated 3 consecutive #1 pop hit singles. However, many fans still see him as primarily a producer.
- Justin Timberlake - I think this is Justin's year. He has generated an impressive 6 hit singles from FutureSex / Love Sounds, and it's possible he hasn't stopped yet.
Female Artist
- Beyonce - Beyonce kicked off the year with the massive hit single "Irreplaceable" and a very successful concert tour. She reminded everyone just what a fantastic singer she is this fall with an appearance on a new mix of Justin Timberlake's "Until the End of Time." She is a real candidate for the award, but I think voters will look elsewhere.
- Fergie - With 4 consecutive #1 hit singles, Fergie has had one of the most phenomenal solo debuts ever on the pop charts, and I think she will be rewarded by AMA voters.
- Avril Lavigne - It has been hard to listen to the radio long this year without hearing Avril's voice. She silenced anyone concerned about whether she would have staying power as an adult performer with the smash hit album The Best Damn Thing. It was a good year, but not the best.
Band, Duo, Or Group
- Linkin Park - Linkin Park came roaring back into public consciousness this year with one of the biggest opening sales weeks of the entire year. However, their lack of a smash hit single from Minutes to Midnight is likely to keep them from winning this award.
- Maroon 5 - It took almost 5 years to follow their debut and breakthrough Songs About Jane, but Maroon 5 seemed to just pick up where they left off. Their radio-friendly funk-rock should take the award in this category.
- Nickelback - The album All the Right Reasons has continued to sell and sell, but by late fall it looks like the public has finally moved on.
Album
- Daughtry - Daughtry - This album now ranks with Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway and Carrie Underwood's Some Hearts as one of the top 3 bestselling albums ever by a former American Idol contestant. It just could be the sleeper candidate in this field.
- Linkin Park - Minutes to Midnight - This hard-edged album, produced by the legendary Rick Rubin, proved Linkin Park are definitely a band to be reckoned with. However, there were bigger hits this year.
- Justin Timberlake - FutureSex / LoveSounds - As mentioned above, FutureSex / LoveSounds has now generated an impressive 6 pop hit singles. It is one of the key pop releases of this decade so far and highly deserving of this award.
