Usher's Soul awards

Usher looks set to dominate America's Soul Train Awards later this month after receiving five separate nominations (01.02.05).

The hearthrob star, who swept the board at last year's American Music Awards and is nominated for eight Grammy Awards, is leading the field after being his platinum selling album, 'Confessions', was nominated for Best Male R&B album.

The chart-topping star also received nominations for Best Male single for hit song 'Confessions Part II', his duet with Alicia Keys 'My Boo' and a best R&B/Soul rap or dance song nomination for hit single 'Yeah'.

The second most popular act at the annual event is Alicia Keys, whose album 'The Diary of Alicia Keys' was nominated for best female R&B/Soul album, and hit ballad 'If I Ain't Got You' which will compete for the Best Female Single award.

Other stars to receive nominations included rap newcomer Ciara, who secure four nominations and Beyonce Knowles, who garnered a total three nominations for her solo singles and work with R&B trio Destiny's Child.

The Soul Train Awards, which are chosen by radio DJs, record bosses and performers, will be presented on February 28th at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles.

The awards, which are celebrating their 18th anniversary this year, were set up in 1987 to honour artists working in R&B, hip-hop, rap and gospel music.