But British singer Adele and R&B singer Bruno Mars were close behind with six apiece, including nods for the three big awards of album, song and record of the year.
Other leading nominees for the major music awards include Foo Fighters, also with six nominations, while rapper Lil Wayne and newcomer Skrillex had five nominations apiece.
Nominations for the top awards were announced during a televised concert in Los Angeles and winners in all 78 categories will be announced at a ceremony on February 12.
(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Jackie Frank)
