Lily and Amy lead MTV nominations

Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse will battle for Britain at this year's MTV Video Music Awards.

They have each been nominated for Best Newcomer at the annual showbiz ceremony.

Amy has picked up a hat trick of nominations - she is also a contender for Female Artist of the Year and Best Video for her hit Rehab, competing with Beyonce in both categories.

The awards will take place at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on September 9. The pair are scheduled to perform along with Rihanna, Kanye West and DJ Mark Ronson.

However Lily's appearance has been thrown into doubt after having her working visa revoked by US authorities.

Allen, who appeared at the press conference in New York via a video link-up to Las Vegas, said: "I can't possibly reveal that to you at the moment. It's going to be a surprise."

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

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