The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Shakira are front and center at this year's MTV Video Music Awards.

The rock band and the pop superstar got seven nominations each for the videos "Dani California" and "Hips Don't Lie," respectively, MTV announced. Both will compete for video of the year along with Christina Aguilera ("Ain't No Other Man"), Madonna ("Hung Up") and Panic! At The Disco ("I Write Sins Not Tragedies").

Madonna, Shakira and Aguilera also are nominated for best female video with Kelly Clarkson ("Because of You") and Nelly Furtado ("Promiscuous").

Her Madgesty is up for three more awards, including best dance video and best pop video.

Aguilera, now in a '40s glamour-puss phase, is also nominated for best pop video and best choreography in a video.

Nick Lachey's "What's Left of Me," which recreates his breakup with Jessica Simpson, will vie for best male video with James Blunt ("You're Beautiful"), Kanye West ("Gold Digger"), T.I. ("What You Know") and Busta Rhymes (for his remix of "Touch It," featuring Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliot).

Bands for best group video include the Chili Peppers, Fall Out Boy ("Dance, Dance") and Gnarls Barkley ("Crazy").

The 2006 MTV Video Music Awards will be Aug. 31 at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

Viewers can watch videos and vote on the general categories, such as best male video and best hip-hop video, through Aug. 20 at MTV Overdrive, www.vma.mtv.com. Voting for the viewer's choice award runs Monday to Aug. 31.