| Free your mind with Kelly Mac! |
BET Award Show Nominations
*T-Pain received five BET Award nominations Thursday to lead the entire pack this year, but none were for his own songs.
The singer's electronic-enhanced voice earned best collaboration nods for his work with Chris Brown ("Kiss Kiss"), Kanye West ("Good Life") and Flo Rida ("Low"). He was also nominated twice in the video of the year category.
"He's had a great year; he's introduced a new element," said BET Executive Vice President Stephen Hill, referring to T-Pain's vocoder-manipulated vocals. The technique, popularized in the 80s by Roger Troutman and Zapp, has enjoyed a T-Pain-assisted resurgence that has been utilized to great success recently by Snoop Dogg ("Sensual Seduction") and Lil Wayne ("Lollipop").
Meanwhile, West and Keyshia Cole received three BET Award nominations, while Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys and newcomer Flo Rida received a pair each.
Hill said the awards also shine a light on R&B artists who have yet to achieve mainstream attention, such as R&B singers Estelle and Raheeem DeVaughn, who each received a nomination.
"Our voting panel picked not just the hits but folks who are really talented who are just now getting a shot," he said, according to the Associated Press.
Al Green will be given a lifetime achievement award, and Quincy Jones will receive an award for his humanitarian work during the live broadcast on June 24 from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Agneles.
Nelly and Usher, who were to appear on BET's "106 & Park" later Thursday to announce the nominations, are confirmed to perform at the ceremony along with Lil Wayne, Blige and Mariah Carey.
"Besides being the best black awards show that we have, also being one of the best awards show period, their ratings are through the roof," said Nelly. "They're tuning in -- black, white, Japanese, Chinese -- you got it, they're tuning in, which says a lot."
Marketplace
Owning A Home Is Closer Than You Think. Contact Jubilee Realty Today!
We want to help save you some cash! Find the Cheapest Gas Prices in, and around, the Upstate.
Your Gospel Connection in the Upstate on 107.3 JAMZ.
Stay ahead of the storm. Find evacuation routes, safety tips and more in the Hurricane Guide .
Get all the information you need to be an informed voter. Register, Get Informed and Vote.
Better sound. New stations. No fees. Discover the benefits of HD RadioTM