The 2012 Billboard Music Awards, set to be held at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, have been announced and the finalists are a welcome bunch. Lil Wayne and Rihanna are among the nominees, alongside hip-hop and R&B stars Nicki Minaj and Chris Brown.
Adele takes the lead as a finalist in 18 award categories, including Top Artist, Top Female Artist and Top Billboard 200 Artist. “Rolling In The Deep,” the lead single from her blockbuster sophomore album “21,” places the U.K. singer as a contender in seven song categories.
Rihanna comes in with 13 nods while Weezy scores recognition in 10 categories. The “Where Have You Been” singer competes with Lady Gaga, Adele, Katy Perry and Wayne for Top Artist. She and Nicki Minaj face-off in the Top Female Artist category, alongside Lady Gaga and Katy Perry.
Brown goes head-to-head with rap star Drake for Top Male Artist, with Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne and Bruno Mars also vying for the win.
Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean and Bad Meets Evil, comprised of Eminem and Royce da 5’9”, compete in the Top New Artist Category with several other staples in the pop world.
Check out some of the nominees below:
