The American Music Awards announced their nominees today, and in a rare display of statuette-dispensary restraint, neither of 2010′s Dominant Blondes—Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga—lead the pack.

They are, of course, not entirely forgotten; Swift has a nod for Favorite Female Artist in the Country category, and Gaga two, for Favorite Female Artist in Pop or Rock and overall Artist of the Year.

But this year the AMAs, founded 27 years ago by Dick Clark and defined by a by-and-for-the-people populism (awards are determined by public poll), have directed the spotlight primarily on other acts: Lady Antebellum and Eminem each have five noms, followed by Justin Bieber with four, and Katy Perry, Usher, B.o.B. and Ke$ha with three apiece.

The show is set to air live from L.A. on Sunday, November 21st, and has announced Usher, Pink, and Bon Jovi as preliminary performers. Voting, now in its fourth year as a strictly online enterprise, has already begun; you can participate by clicking here—apparently, a privilege limited only to how many online identities you have (email ID is required to register), and how mobilized your fan club is. In other words: clear your mantle, Biebs.
-by Leah Greenblatt