Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum Earn Billboard Music Award Nominations

Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum are the leading country nominees at theBillboard Music Awards. In addition, Jason Aldean, Sugarland and the Zac Brown Band received multiple nominations in the show's three country categories. The nominees were revealed Wednesday (April 13) in Las Vegas.

Swift is nominated in the elite top artist category with pop stars Justin Bieber, Eminem, Lady Gaga and Rihanna. Swift's other nominations include the all-genre top female artist and top Billboard 200 artist for sales across all genres. In addition, she's up for top country artist, top country album (Speak Now) and top country song ("Mine").

Meanwhile, Lady Antebellum earned all-genre nominations for top duo/group, top Billboard 200 artist, top Billboard 200 album (Need You Now) and top streaming song in audio ("Need You Now"). They are also nominated for top country artist, top country album (Need You Now) and top country song ("Need You Now").

In addition to Lady Antebellum and Swift, the top country artist category includes Aldean, Kenny Chesney and the Zac Brown Band. Aldean's My Kinda Party, Sugarland's The Incredible Machine and the Zac Brown Band's The Foundation round out the top country album category. Finally, The Band Perry's "If I Die Young," Miranda Lambert's "The House That Built Me" and Sugarland's "Stuck Like Glue" join Lady Antebellum and Swift on the top country song ballot.

According to the music industry publication, the awards are based on numerous factors, such as sales, airplay, touring, streaming and social interaction from Feb. 28, 2010 through March 1, 2011. The publication is honoring the top musicians in 46 categories across a variety of genres, including rock, R&B, alternative, dance, Latin and Christian music.

The trophies will be presented May 22 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The ceremony will air live on ABC. Previously-announced performers include Lady Antebellum and Keith Urban, as well as the Black Eyed Peas, Taio Cruz, Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna.


Source: http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1661925/taylor-swift-lady-antebellum-earn-billboard-music-award-nominations.jhtml