Nicki Minaj and David Guetta to Open for 2011 American Music Awards
It was announced Friday that Nicki Minaj will kick off the American Music Awards (AMAs) alongside David Guetta. The vibrant female rap star is also up for two AMA awards.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Minaj and Guetta teamed up to record the track "Where Them Girls At?" for Guetta's album Nothing But the Beat. The duo is expected to be a strong start for the highly anticipated AMAs show.
The AMAs will include performances from Christina Aguilera, Maroon 5, Mary J. Blige, Justin Bieber, Marc Anthony, and Katy Perry.
Speaking of Minaj, Guetta told MTV News, "It was an amazing start working together because I really wanted to work some more with her. I'm a really huge fan. To be honest, it's very rare that I call artists – most of the time they call me. I've been chasing her for like a year because I really wanted to work with her."
Minaj reportedly feels the same way about sharing the stage with the Nothing But The Beat star.
In an interview with MTV News last year, Minaj said, "He's got it down pat. For me to link up with him, I'm just honored that he was reaching out. When I met him, I like him instantly. He's sweet, he's humble, he's funny and he's just a person you want to be around."
Minaj was also recently tapped by fashion designer Donatella Versace to perform with Prince Tuesday night at New York City's Pier 57 event for the designer's collaboration with H&M. The rapper is also scheduled to perform live with Kanye West and Maroon 5 at the Victoria's Secret fashion show, which will air Nov. 29 on CBS.
Music fans have the option to vote for the favorite nominees online at the Coca-Cola AMA voting website Amavote.com as well as AMA.abc.com.
The American Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre L.A on Nov. 20 and 8 p.m. on ABC. A one-hour red carpet special will air at 7 p.m. before the official start of the award ceremony. Chris Harrison and Vanessa Minnillo will host the AMA pre-show.
The AMAs is a host-free event that highlights music's biggest artists performing on one stage.