Keys leads American Music Awards nominations; 'N Sync, J. Lo also nominated

Tuesday, November 13th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) _ Rhythm & blues newcomer Alicia Keys, who won commercial and critical acclaim with the album ``Songs in A Minor,'' received a leading five American Music Awards nominations Tuesday.

Keys' debut disc has been among the year's top sellers, fueled by the success of her No. 1 song ``Fallin'.'' She received nominations in both the pop and R&B categories for favorite female artist and favorite new artist.

``Songs in A Minor'' was nominated in the R&B album category alongside Janet Jackson's ``All for You'' and Aaliyah's self-titled album.

Aaliyah, who died in an Aug. 25 plane crash, also was nominated for favorite female R&B artist. Mary J. Blige received the third bid in the category.

Keys faces Jackson and Jennifer Lopez for the top pop female artist award.

Other multiple nominees included Brooks & Dunn, Destiny's Child, Dave Matthews Band, Lonestar, R. Kelly, Tim McGraw, 'N Sync and Shaggy.

The nominees for the 29th annual awards were announced by Jewel and Sean ``P. Diddy'' Combs. The three-hour ceremony will be broadcast live by ABC-TV on Jan. 9 from Los Angeles.

Gospel and contemporary Christian music got their own category this year with Yolanda Adams, Steven Curtis Chapman and Donnie McClurkin getting the first nominations for contemporary inspirational artist.

Nominees are compiled from music industry publications and the results are revealed at the ceremony. Winners are selected by a national sampling of about 20,000 listeners.