Justin Bieber nominated for “Best New Artist” BET Award


Justin Bieber, age 16, will compete in the best new artist category and was nominated for the awards alongside such prominent black performers as rapper Jay-Z, who led the field with five nominations, and his wife Beyonce, who scored four.

The BET Awards typically honor black singers, actors, actresses and athletes, but officials described Bieber as a cross-over artist.

“Bieber has crossed the color boundaries the same way that hip-hop has crossed the boundaries the other way for a number of years,” said Stephen Hill, BET’s President of Music Programing and Specials. The awards will be held on Los Angeles on June 27.

Bieber was signed to a music label with the help of Usher, who drew a nomination for best male rhythm and blues artist.

“He’s had rhythm in his music,” said Hill. “He makes the type of music our audience likes.”

Bieber, who hails from a small Canadian town, has become a global sensation after his mother posted videos of him singing on YouTube. His latest album, “My World 2.0,” debuted at No.1 on the Billboard charts in March.

A division of Viacom, BET is the leading television network for African-American audiences.


0 responses to “Justin Bieber nominated for “Best New Artist” BET Award”

  1. i guess.. i have mixed feelings about this simply because all of the other awards shows are so bias… there are many black artist that have cross over appeal that do not get their just do in those arenas.

    kelly clarkson has cross-over appeal…and so does Pink and Christina.. were they ever nominated?

    these canadian artist are blowing up…maybe i should cross the border and see how U.S. artist will do over there… now i just need to figure out what my talent is

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