Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez Earn BET Award Nominations

The BET Awards are getting a little more inclusive this year. While Jay-Z leads the pack of nominations, followed by Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Trey Songz, and Melanie Fiona, there’s also a nod for Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez. No need to adjust your screens. Bieber earned a nomination for Best New Artist. He’s up against Melanie Fiona, Nicki Minaj, Wale, and Young Money. Bieber has appeared on BET as his popularity started to rise, including performing his single “Baby” on the network’s “106 & Park” and participating in their “SOS Help For Haiti Benefit.” Gomez earns her nomination for the YoungStars Award, where she’s up against Keke Palmer, Lil JJ, Willow Smith, and Tyler James Williams. Unlike the Biebs, I’m not sure the words “Selena” and “Gomez” have been uttered together on BET. The 2010 BET Awards, airing Sunday, June 27th on BET, will feature performances Drake, Diddy, Nicki Minaj, Trey Songz, and others yet to be announced. Grammy Award-winner and Oscar nominee Queen Latifah has been tapped to host. “We are thrilled that Queen Latifah is going to host the BET AWARDS ’10,” said Stephen Hill, President of Music Programming and Specials for BET. “Her versatility as a performer perfectly matches the dynamism of our show. This will be the perfect 10. Get ready for stirring performances, a surprise that will knock you out and massive quantities of fun; all helmed by ‘The Queen.’” Other than possible appearances by Bieber and Gomez, the 10th anniversary of the BET Awards is also sure to feature some major surprises. Some past memorable performances include TLC, SWV, and EnVogue hitting the stage together, a reunion of The Fugees, a hosting stint from Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett-Smith, and last year’s emotional tribute to Michael Jackson.