Pop stars Justin Timberlake and Beyonce led the nominations for the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards on Tuesday with seven apiece, followed by rapper Kanye West and Barbados teen-ager Rihanna who are both up for five awards.

British neo-soul singer Amy Winehouse got three nominations for the September 9 Las Vegas show, including video of the year — for which she will be competing against Timberlake, Beyonce, Rihanna, West and French electronic dance duo Justice.

“What great nominees! They truly reflect a stellar year in music and videos,” Christina Norman, MTV president, said in a statement.

Timberlake, West, hip hop artist Akon, rapper T.I. and R&B singer Robin Thicke are up for best male artist, while Winehouse, Beyonce, Rihanna, Fergie and Nelly Furtado will compete for best female artist.

British rivals Winehouse and Lily Allen will fight each other and former American Idol finalist Carrie Underwood, Gym Class Heroes and Peter Bjorn & John for best new artist. Best group will be decided among Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes, Maroon 5, Linkin Park and White Stripes.

Among several new categories this year is the “quadruple threat award” which MTV said “honors those boundary-busting artists who have conquered multiple worlds including … music, fashion, philanthropy, business, acting and dance.”

The nominations for this award pit couple Beyonce and Jay-Z against each other, as well Bono, Timberlake and West.

Fans can vote online in the best new artist category. The remaining awards are decided by a select music industry group.