Teen heartthrob Justin Bieber has four nominations, while Katy Perry, Ke$ha, B.o.B. and Usher have three each.
Singers Demi Lovato and Taio Cruz made the announcement on Tuesday in Los Angeles.
Eminem and Bieber are each up for favourite pop/rock artist and album, and the rapper is also nominated for favourite artist and album in the rap/hip-hop category. Both Bieber and Eminem are also nominated for artist of the year, along with Perry, Ke$ha and Lady Gaga.
Lady Antebellum is nominated for favourite band, duo or group in the pop/rock and country categories, along with favourite country album, favourite adult contemporary artist and the breakthrough artist award.
Music fans can choose winners in the show's nine categories by voting online. Nominees were selected based on chart ratings for sales and radio and Internet play.
The American Music Awards will be presented November 21 at the Nokia Theatre and broadcast live on ABC. Bon Jovi, Usher and P!nk are slated to perform.
