BEHOLD THE BET AWARDS 2013 NOMINEES:

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                   BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT (AFRICA)

2Face Idibia

Nigerian R&B singer-songwriter 2Face Idibia continued his reign as one of Africa’s biggest stars with his new album Away & Beyond.

Toya Delazy

South African singer-rapper Toya Delazy broke down boundaries with her genre-bending electro-pop and eye-catching looks.

Donald

South African R&B singer-songewriter Donald left a huge mark this year with his soulful second album, Train of Love.

Ice Prince

Nigerian hip-hop king Ice Prince looks to repeat his 2012 BET Awards win in this very category

R2Bees

Ghanian rapper-singer duo R2Bees look to take home top honors after dropping the acclaimed album Da Revolution II.

Radio and Weasel

Ugandan dancehall duo Radio and Weasel impressed listeners worldwide with their latest album, Fantastic, and its bouncy title track.

 

                                  BEST GOSPEL ARTISTE

 

Deitrick Haddon

With over 10 LPs under his belt, the prolific singer, songwriter and producer uplifted spirits last year with his LP A Beautiful Soul.

Lecrae

Thanks in part to his Grammy-winning album, Gravity, Lacrae LeCrae has been able to achieve credibility within both gospel and hip hop circles.

Tamela Mann

Actress and gospel songstress Tamela Mann personifies the definition of a woman. Mann struck gold as an actress in Tyler Perry's plays and as a vocalist with Kirk Franklin and The Family. Currently her hit "Take Me To The King" is running the Gospel charts.

Mary Mary

These California-based urban contemporary gospel queens helped reinvent the genre for a new generation. One reality show, seven albums and fifteen years later, the sweet and powerful song stylings of Erica Atkins-Campbell and Tina Atkins-Campbell still keeps fans in love with the spirit.

Marvin Sapp

Two -time BET Award winner Marvin Sapp continued to uplift the Lord in song. For the release of his hit LP I Win, the inspirational singer is once again up for the Best Gospel trophy at the 2013 BET Awards.

 

 

                     BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTISTE

Beyoncé

Mrs. Carter continued her domination of the music world. With the success of the deluxe version of her 4 album, fans stayed hooked to her infectious appeal.

Tamar Braxton

The soulful single “Love and War” showcased Tamar’s unmistakable Braxton pedigree, but her exciting musical journey is uniquely her own.

Alicia Keys

This global icon's fifth studio release, Girl on Fire, reminds why Keys is one of her generation’s most groundbreaking female artists.

Rihanna

On her seventh studio album Unapologetic, Rih Rih reached new musical heights, showcasing shockingly bold sexuality and creative growth.

 

               

Elle Varner

A breath of fresh air in R&B, Elle Varner’s debut, Perfectly Imperfect, introduced the power of raw soul without distractions. Varner continues to challenge and satisfy music lovers of all genres.

                         

 

                      

 

                             BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTISTE

 

Chris Brown

The crown prince of pop marked a new beginning for his singing career (and celebrity) with the release of his sixth studio LP X. Once again, Brown is up for the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist Award.

Bruno Mars

With the eclectic pop sound of Unorthodox Jukebox, Bruno’s mellifluous voice and cascading choruses continued to reign over the pop charts.

Miguel

The magnetic, pompadour-sporting crooner followed up his stellar debut with the Grammy-winning LP Kaleidoscope Dream.

Justin Timberlake

After a seven-year hiatus from music, JT re-entered the scene with “Suit & Tie,” the lead single from his latest album 20/20 Experience.

 

 

Usher

This top-selling R&B icon is now considered an elder statesman of soul. Thanks to 2012's Looking 4 Myself, Usher maintained his position.

 

 

                                     BEST NEW ARTISTE

Azealia Banks

Azealia Banks made headlines for beefing with the world on Twitter, but she backed it up with spitfire bars on songs like “Yung Rapunxel.”

Joey Bada$$

This Brooklyn MC’s past 12 months included an acclaimed debut mixtape, a banging single with DJ Premier, and a fiery verse at the BET Hip Hop Awards.

Kendrick Lamar

Not only has Kendrick Lamar’s debut, good kid, m.A.A.d. city, been hailed as an instant classic, but he’s dominated almost every song he’s guested on.

Trinidad Jame$

Trinidad James’ “All Gold Everything” music video was a YouTube sensation, landing him millions of views — and millions of dollars from Def Jam.

The Weeknd

The Weeknd’s huge year was highlighted by his debut LP, Trilogy, which hit gold despite the fact that it mainly consisted of music from free mixtapes.