AP
Last year, Brown stole the show, emerging from his post-Rihanna fallout to perform a medley of Michael Jackson hits in honor of the late pop icon. The performance prompted a turn in the media attention Brown had been receiving up until then, with the focus changing from his 2009 assault on Rihanna, to his teary-eyed rendition of 'Man in the Mirror.'
Since then, Brown has put out No. 1 hit after hit, starting with the sultry, break-up song 'Deuces,' featuring Young Money's Tyga, which is one of two Breezy songs nominated in the Best Collaboration category. The other track, 'Look at Me Now' featuring Lil Wayne and the quick-lipped Busta Rhymes, has racked up 44-million hits on YouTube in months, and is also up for Video of the Year and Viewers' Choice. Brown was also recognized for his role in the bank heist flick 'Takers' with a Best Actor nomination.
Lil Wayne follows with five nominations, three of which are connected to his feature on Breezy's 'Look at Me Now.' He is also up for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and Viewers' Choice for '6 Foot 7 Foot.'
Rihanna snagged four nominations, as did Kanye West. However, her biggest competition is Brown, who she is up against in the Viewers' Choice category. She also faces her former flame in the Best Collaboration category where she snagged two nods, like Brown, for 'What's My Name?' and her feature on West's 'All of the Lights.' RiRi squares off against Beyonce, Marsha Ambrosius, Keri Hilson and Jennifer Hudson in the Best Female R&B Artist category.
Nicki Minaj, also honored in the Viewers' Choice category for 'Moment 4 Life,' is up for Best Female Hip Hop Artist along with former Crime Mob member Diamond, Master P's daughter Cymphonique, and D.C. raptress Lola Monroe.
Bruno Mars, Wiz Khalifa, J.Cole, Miguel and Willow Smith will duke it out in the Best New Artist category. Other nominees include Waka Flocka Flame, Trey Songz, B.o.B and Cee Lo.
The 2011 BET Awards will be hosted by comedian Kevin Hart and air live on the network from Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium on June 26.
See the full list of 2011 BET Awards nominees at BET.com.
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