AceShowbiz -

Contenders for Favorite Male and Female Athletes at the upcoming Nickelodeon's 26th annual Kids' Choice Awards have been announced along with nominees for other categories such as Favorite Book and Favorite Video Game. Favorite Villains in combined TV and movie fields are revealed as well.

New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow is facing off Olympian swimmer Michael Phelps, Miami Heat player LeBron James and snowboarder Shaun White to win the best male athlete. First-time nominee Gabrielle Douglas battles frequent nominees Serena Williams, Venus Williams and Danica Patrick for best female athlete.

In the Favorite Villain, Reed Alexander ("iCarly") and Tom Hiddleston ("The Avengers") are nominated along with Simon Cowell ("The X Factor (US)") and Julia Roberts ("Mirror Mirror"). Alexander brings in a total of three nods for iCarly, and Hiddleston brings in a total of six for "The Avengers".

Also honoring the best in music, TV and movie, the awards show will be held on March 23 live from the Galen Center in Los Angeles, California. "Transformers" star Josh Duhamel, will serve as the host. Voting in the 22 categories begins on Thursday, February 14, 2013 on KCAs official website.

Favorite Male Athlete:

• LeBron James
• Michael Phelps
• Tim Tebow
• Shaun White

• Gabrielle Douglas
• Danica Patrick
• Serena Williams
• Venus Williams

• Reed Alexander as Nevel Papperman for "iCarly"
• Simon Cowell as himself for "The X Factor (US)"
• Tom Hiddleston as Loki for "The Avengers"
• Julia Roberts as Queen Clementianna for "Mirror Mirror"

• "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series
• "Harry Potter" series
• "The Hunger Games" series
• "Magic Tree House" series

• "Just Dance 4"
• "Mario Kart 7"
• "Skylanders Giants"
• "Wii Sports"