Nominees For Billboard Music Awards

Billboard has announced the nominees for its revived Billboard Music Awards. The first performers have already been announced and include  Keith Urban and Lady Antebellum. The awards will be given based on chart rankings, radio airplay, touring and social interactions. Billboard launched a microsite for the 2011 Billboard Music Awards at www.Billboard.com/BBMA. The country finalists for the 2011 Billboard Music Awards are:

Top Artist: Justin Bieber, Eminem, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Taylor Swift.

Top Female Artist: Ke$ha, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Rihanna and Taylor Swift.

Top Duo/Group: The Black Eyed Peas, Bon Jovi, Lady Antebellum, Linkin Park and U2.

Top Billboard 200 Artist: Justin Bieber, Susan Boyle, Eminem, Lady Antebellum and Taylor Swift.

Top Country Artist: Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift and Zac Brown Band.

Top Christian Artist: Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Skillet, tobyMac and Chris Tomlin.

Top Billboard 200 Album: Justin Bieber – “My World 2.0,” Susan Boyle – “The Gift,” Eminem – “Recovery,” Lady Antebellum – “Need You Now” and Taylor Swift – “Speak Now.”

Top Country Album: Jason Aldean – “My Kinda Party,” Lady Antebellum – “Need You Now,” Sugarland – “The Incredible Machine,” Taylor Swift – “Speak Now” and Zac Brown Band – “The Foundation.”

Top Christian Album: MercyMe – “The Generous Mr. Lovewell,” Skillet – “Awake,” tobyMac – “Tonight,” Chris Tomlin – “And If Our God is For Us” and Various Artists – “WOW Hits 2011.”

Top Streaming Song (Audio): Taio Cruz – “Dynamite,” Eminem f/ Rihanna – “Love The Way You Lie,” Lady Antebellum – “Need You Now,” Bruno Mars – “Just The Way You Are” and Nelly – “Just A Dream.”

Top Country Song: The Band Perry – “If I Die Young,” Lady Antebellum – “Need You Now,” Miranda Lambert – “The House That Built Me,” Sugarland – “Stuck Like Glue” and Taylor Swift – “Mine.”

Top Christian Song: Kris Allen – “Live Like We’re Dying,” MercyMe – “All Of Creation,” Sanctus Real – “Lead Me,” tobyMac – “Get Back Up” and Chris Tomlin – “Our God.”