Singer Rihanna and rapper Nicki Minaj have dominated the nominations for the 2012 American Music Awards after landing four nods apiece.

The stars will duke it out for Best Pop/Rock Female Artist, while Rihanna will also fight for both Best Soul/R&B Female Artist and Album for Talk That Talk and the coveted Artist of the Year trophies.

The Super Bass hit-maker is up for Best Rap/Hip-Hop Artist and Album, as well as Best Pop/Rock Album for Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. Drake, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, One Direction and Usher all earned three nods a piece.

The nominations were announced by pop star Christina Aguilera on Tuesday.

The 40th annual prizegiving ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on November 18th.

Slideshow: Funny Faces: Nicki Minaj