Elton John shortlisted for music awards

Sir Elton John and Coldplay lead British hopes at the MTV Video Music Awards as shortlists were unveiled today.

Elton’s video for This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore, which features NSync star Justin Timberlake playing a younger version of the singer, has been nominated for three titles.

Coldplay have been shortlisted twice for their track Trouble for the 19th annual awards which are held at New York’s Radio City Music Hall on August 29.

Elton’s haul of nominations include best direction, best art direction and best male, for which he goes up against fellow Brit Craig David, who is currently enjoying US success.

Coldplay are up for best art direction and best breakthrough video.

British trio Dirty Vegas, who are virtually unknown here but have managed a US album hit, are up for best dance video for Days Go By.

British-based Aussie Kylie Minogue is up for two prizes.

Heading the field are rapper Eminem, Missy Elliott and rock act P.O.D. who have six nominations each.

Fatboy Slim stole the show last year for his video Weapon Of Choice, starring twinkle-toed actor Christopher Walken, which landed six prizes.