(Nicki Minaj sports an icy stare and fantastic cleavage at the AMA Nominations presser…..What’s with that double band on her ring finger?)

Nicki Minaj and Pitbull took to the podium to announce this year’s American Music Award nomination press conference in LA today. As with most of these award shows, the names are all the same…the usual folks they want to book to perform for ratings. But you can’t argue with the star power of the leading nominee, Adele. The AMA’s air live (as all award shows should…ahem, BET Hip Hop Awards!) on Nov. 20.

Entertainment Weekly points out two interesting match-ups though:
Kelly Rowland vs. Beyonce for Soul/R&B Favorite Female Artist.
Chris Brown vs. Rihanna for Soul/R&B Album.

(PS: This post was mostly an excuse to analyze Nicki’s revealing and cheery outfit. Love the python pointy boots, see then after the jump! And her body is sick. But why the grim visage? Also, what’s up with her makeup artist’s blending sponge? Nicki’s features are already chiseled, does she need all that contouring? Or is it just the lighting?)

More of Nicki Minaj’s press conference photos….
And a full list of nominations….
After the jump

(Nicki and Pitbull photos via EyePrime)

AMA Nominations: Is this the only award show that only nominates 3 artists per category? (Artist of the Year seems to be the exception)

Artist of the Year
Adele
Lady Gaga
Katy Perry
Lil Wayne
Taylor Swift

Pop or Rock Music: Favorite Female Artist
Adele
Katy Perry
Lady Gaga

Pop or Rock Music: Favorite Male Artist
Justin Bieber
Bruno Mars
Pitbull

Pop or Rock Music: Favorite Band, Duo or Group
LMFAO
Maroon 5
OneRepublic

Pop or Rock Album
Adele, 21
Rihanna, Loud
Lady Gaga, Born This Way

Rap/Hip-Hop Music: Favorite Artist
Lil Wayne
Nicki Minaj
Kanye West

Rap/Hip-Hop Album
Lil Wayne, Tha Carter IV
The Throne, Watch the Throne
Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday

Soul/R&B Music: Favorite Male Artist
Chris Brown
Trey Songz
Usher

Soul/R&B Music: Favorite Female Artist
Rihanna
Beyoncé
Kelly Rowland

Soul/R&B Album
Chris Brown, F.A.M.E.
Rihanna, Loud
Beyoncé, 4

Alternative Rock Music: Favorite Artist
Foo Fighters
Black Keys
Mumford & Sons

Adult Contemporary Music: Favorite Artist
Adele
Bruno Mars
Katy Perry

Latin Music: Favorite Artist
Pitbull
Enrique Iglesias
Jennifer Lopez

Country Music: Favorite Female Artist
Sara Evans
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift

Country Music: Favorite Male Artist
Jason Aldean
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton

Country Music: Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Zac Brown Band
Lady Antebellum
The Band Perry

Country Music: Favorite Album
Jason Aldean, My Kinda Party
Taylor Swift, Speak Now
The Band Perry, The Band Perry

Related:
Rihanna Tells Esquire She’s Happy For Chris Brown’s Success: “I’m A Fan”
Things We Love: Toddler Takes on Nicki Minaj (Video)
Rihanna Frolics in Ireland…Until Farmer Says Put Yer Damn Clothes On!