Hey everyone. It’s been a while since we’ve live-blogged an awards show. Abstinence is supposed to build up tolerance, but even with at least a half year of not covering music awards shows, I’m still not sure I’ll be able to stomach the 40th annual American Music Awards.

The Dick Clark-created show will boast performances from the likes of Christina Aguilera, Justin Bieber, Carly Rae Jepsen, Linkin Park and many others. Rihanna is the evening’s top nominee, and it’s a safe bet that she’ll come away with a trophy or two.

Additionally, this is the show’s 40th anniversary, so expect a few clip packages that will highlight all of the OUTRAGEOUS (thanks, Lionel) moments from shows past. Since the last AMAs, we’ve also lost not only multiple winners Whitney Houston, Robin Gibb and Donna Summer, but Clark himself. So expect there to be some serious tribute action as well.

Join us at 8 PM EST when the live blog gets underway.