Each year, Pollstar invites a different group of professionals representing a cross-section of the international concert industry to make the nominations for these awards, most of which are directed at industry professionals.

Pollstar.com is highlighting the four artist-related categories: Major Tour Of The Year, Most Creative Tour Package, Most Creative Stage Production, and Best New Artist Tour.

In years past, Backstreet Boys, 311, Dave Matthews Band, Dixie Chicks, Lilith Fair and Erykah Badu have been some of the artists winning awards.

This time, Madonna, Radiohead and U2 battle it out for the Major Tour Of The Year prize. The unifying feature among the three acts is that each had an entirely sold-out international tour, playing to arena-sized crowds.

U2 were the biggest money-maker but Madonna’s spectacular production and ariel stunts, and Radiohead’s fan appeal will give the Irish rockers a run for their money.

The Most Creative Tour Package nominees are the Brooks & Dunn Neon Circus, Elton John/Billy Joel, Tony Bennett/k.d. Lang, and the Warped Tour.

Like the name implies, Brooks & Dunn presented a Wild West circus like no other, with pyrotechnics, props, a confetti cannon, video screens and the whole bit.

The unusual pairings of Tony Bennett & k.d. Lang, and Elton John & Billy Joel also make for a creative evening for pop fans.

As usual, the Warped Tour brought together punk rock, hip-hop and extreme sports for a summer festival of fun.

The Most Creative Stage Production choice could be a close one. In the running are the fan-friendly stage design of U2’s Elevation Tour; Madonna’s elaborate crouching tiger – hidden superstar theatrics; Janet Jackson’s steamy choreography; Tool’s ominous acrobats and digital images; and *NSYNC’s 80-foot-high flying stunts, levitating platforms and moving sidewalks.

Finally, in the Best New Artist Tour slot, Alicia Keys, Dido, Linkin Park, Pete Yorn, and The Strokes contend for the award.

While The Strokes are only beginning to make a splash in the States, they’ve been enthusiastically embraced on the European side of the Pond. Keys – her magic piano fingers – is a critic’s favorite, but so is singer-songwriter Yorn.

Dido bravely faced amphitheatre crowds on her first headlining tour this summer, while Linkin Park debuted their first big solo stint to sold-out venues before taking it to the next level on the Family Values Tour.

Only Pollstar subscribers are allowed to voice their vote, with the winners being announced at a big ceremony in February.

Who would you vote for? Check back in a few weeks to see if your favorite band has won.