Usher, Mary J Blige, Chris Brown Lead R&B 2012 American Music Award Nominations

SingersRoom.com:

Nominations are in for the 2012 American Music Awards. Leading in the fields of Soul/R&B are Usher, Mary J. Blige and Chris Brown.

The official list of nominees was revealed during a press conference with Christina Aguilera Tuesday. Aguilera is also confirmed as the first performer set to take the stage November 18.

Usher leads the pack of R&B artists nominated with three nods in total. His nods include Favorite Album - Soul / R&B for "Looking 4 Myself." He shares that field with Rihanna ("Talk That Talk") and Chris Brown ("Fortune").

In addition to having "Fortune" nominated, Chris Brown shares the field of Favorite Male Artist Soul/R&B with Usher and Trey Songz.

The Favorite Female Artist category includes Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and Rihanna. 

Drake, Nicki Minaj and Tyga lead in the Hip Hop categories.

The 2012 American Music Awards are due to air Sunday, November 18 on ABC.