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The awards were instigated by Dick Clark in 1973 and take place in November. The much-loved TV favorite also produces the show every year. The AMAs, as they are sometimes called, has different categories of awards, to reflect different musical genres. American Music Awards are given for Pop/Rock, Country, Soul/Rhythm and Blues, Adult Contemporary, and Latin. Categories have been added as new musical trends appear, such as Rap/Hip Hop and Alternative. Contemporary Inspirational, a popular form of Christian music, is another category. There is also Favorite Soundtrack, International Artist Award and Favorite Breakthrough Artist.

The recipients receive awards for the Favorite Male, Female, Band or Album. The 2007 show was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the popular comic and talk show presenter. People could vote online for the first time. In the Pop/ Rock category, the Favorite Male Artist was Justin Timberlake and the Favorite Female artist was Fergie

Nickleback was voted in the category for Favorite Band, Duo or Group. The American Music Awards are not just about presenting the prizes but putting on a good show for the viewing public. The show always has a number of top artists to perform, across a wide range of musical styles. The 2007 show included music from Alicia Keys, Celine Dion, Maroon 5, Rihanna and Duran Duran.

Some artists and groups have had exceptional success at the American Music Awards. Mariah Carey has been nominated the most times for the Pop/Rock section and has won Favorite Female Artist on three occasions. Michael Jackson leads the way in the number of nominations received for a male artist and has won for Favorite Male Artist, Single and Album.

The Eagles has been the most successful group and the only one to receive nominations over three decades. They have won twice for Favorite Band and twice in the album category. The albums voted for were Their Greatest Hits 1971 - 1975 and Hell Freezes Over. Other performers to have received many nominations include Madonna, Elton John, Celine Dion and Fleetwood Mac. These awards will continue to be an important part of the musical calendar.