The nominees for the 33rd Annual "American Music Awards" were recently announced with Casting Crowns, Jars of Clay and Mary Mary (at right, top to bottom) receiving nods for Favorite Artist in the Contemporary Inspirational category. A total of 21 awards will be presented during the three-hour telecast on ABC on Nov. 22. The special will be broadcast from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and will be hosted by Cedric "The Entertainer."

This is the fifth year the "American Music Awards" have recognized the Contemporary Inspirational category. The other categories are Pop/Rock, Country, Soul/Rhythm & Blues, Rap/Hip-Hop, Adult Contemporary, Latin Music and Alternative Music. There also is an award for Favorite New Breakthrough Artist.

According to ABC's Web site, winners of the "American Music Awards" are selected by the public. A national sampling of approximately 20,000, taking into account geographic location, age, sex and ethnic origin, will be sent ballots by the National Family Opinion, Inc. firm under the supervision of Broadcast Research and Consulting, Inc. Names of the nominees on the ballot were compiled from data supplied by the music industry trade publication, Radio & Records, and the Nielsen Soundscan Inc., management information system. Results of the voting, tabulated by the Ernst & Young LLP accounting firm, are kept secret until envelopes are opened during the presentation ceremonies.

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