As the American Music Awards approaches, we take a look at the nominees for one of music’s biggest publicity stunts nights. 

One of the most competitive and important categories is the New Artist of the Year (presented by Kohl’s, of course). The nominees include Australian boy band 5 Seconds of Summer, certified rapper Iggy Azalea, lackluster Bastille, soulful Sam Smith and sassy Meghan Trainor. 

Here’s why (and why not) the prospective artists should (or should not win):

5 Seconds of Summer

Why They Should Win: Without a doubt, 5SOS has created a massive fandom in America. Therefore, since the AMAs are dictated and decided by fan votes, they should have no problem winning. So many tweens, so many votes. 

READ MORE: Predicting The 2014 AMAs: 'Artist Of The Year'

Why They Shouldn’t Win: Does America really need another boy band? Is there anything original about 5 Seconds of Summer? Chances are, if you’re over the age of 18, you don’t know a single 5SOS song. Why should America be defined by its tech-savvy tween population? We’ll leave real voting to the Grammys. 

Iggy Azalea

Why She Should Win: Iggy Azalea is by far the biggest artist on this list. She’s more than just a new artist—she is a new superstar. With hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify, a hit album, a Beatles-matching record of having the number one and two spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and a Forever 21 partnership, there is no question that Azalea is here to stay. 

Why She Shouldn’t Win: She’s not exactly “new.” This time last year, I was already been listening to “Work” for months. Therefore, it should be taken into consideration that the “new” title is a stretch. 

Bastille

Why They Should Win: “Indie” fans lose their “ish” for songs like “Pompeii” and “Flaws” (with infinity sign tattoos and a Brandy Melville obsession, naturally). After posting their 127th Instagram of a beach sunset, these fans love using Bastille’s lyrics as picture captions. Basically, basic people love this "edgy" band. 

READ MORE: Predicting The 2014 AMAs: 'Favorite Alternative Rock Artist'

Why They Shouldn’t Win: There’s absolutely nothing original about this generic alternative band. Again, Bastille is nowhere near a “new” band. Formed in 2010, they released singles every year since then. In fact, last year, Bastille was nominated for Best New Artist for the MTV Europe Music Awards. AMAs, you’re slacking. 

Sam Smith

Why He Should Win: By far, Sam Smith is the best artist on the list. With a soulful voice, moving lyrics, an inspiring backstory and a likeable persona, this singer should be a shoo-in. However, unfortunately the award’s based off fan votes. 

Why He Shouldn’t Win: Though Smith’s "In the Lonely Hour" is golden, many people only know “Stay With Me.” After the song was massacred on the radio, some may have a negative opinion of the singer. 

Meghan Trainor

Why She Should Win: She’s super sassy and young, very reminiscent of an almost soulful Amy Winehouse voice. But honestly, she shouldn’t win. 

Why She Shouldn’t Win: Here’s why—no one knows who she is. She had one song that was catchy for about a day. With the other people in this category, it’s very clear that Trainor doesn’t have a chance. 

Who Will Win: 5 Seconds of Summer 

Who Should Win: Sam Smith

The AMAs will air on ABC this Sunday at 8/7C. 

Reach Music Editor Jillian Morabito here.