Kimmel tapped as AMA host

Jimmy Kimmel, host and producer of ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live," will bring his hosting talents to the American Music Awards for a third time, it was announced Tuesday.

"I am very happy to have been asked to return as host," Kimmel, 38, said in a statement. "And (I) graciously accept ABC's apology for snubbing me last year."

Cedric the Entertainer hosted last year's show.

The "2006 American Music Awards," to be presented Nov. 21 at the Shrine Auditorium, will be broadcast live as a three-hour special on ABC. Scheduled performers include Beyonce, Josh Groban, Mary J. Blige and Carrie Underwood.

The American Music Awards honor top artists in pop/rock, country, soul/rhythm & blues, rap/hip-hop, Latin, alternative, contemporary inspirational and adult contemporary categories.

Nominees, which were announced last week, include Mariah Carey, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Black Eyed Peas and Nickelback.

Nominees were selected based on record sales. Winners will be chosen by a survey of about 20,000 listeners.