The nominees for the 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards were announced on Thursday at a press conference in Pasadena, CA. David Oyelowo (“Lee Daniels’ ‘The Butler’”), Joe Morton (ABC’s “Scandal”), Keke Palmer (VH1’s “CrazySexyCool”), Bresha Webb (TV One’s “Love That Girl”) and Gina Torres (USA’s “Suits”) announced the categories and nominees with NAACP Image Awards Committee Chairman, Leonard James and President and CEO of TV One, Alfred Liggins.
The NAACP Image Awards celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.
Many of R&B’s biggest and brightest stars have been honored and nominated under the various music categories. John Legend, Janelle Monáe and Robin Thicke lead with 4 each, while Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars follow with 3 a piece. K. Michelle, Ravaughn Brown, and Ariana Grande have all been nominated under ‘Outstanding New Artist,’ along with Candice Glover and Zendaya.
The two-hour star-studded NAACP Image Awards will air on Saturday, February 22 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT tape-delayed on TV One.
Check out all the music nominees below:
Outstanding New Artist
Ariana Grande
Candice Glover
K. Michelle
RaVaughn Brown
Zendaya
Outstanding Male Artist
Bruno Mars
Charlie Wilson
John Legend
Justin Timberlake
Robin Thicke
Outstanding Female Artist
Beyoncé
India.Arie
Janelle Monáe
Ledisi
Mary J Blige
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration
“#Beautiful” – Mariah Carey feat. Miguel
“Blurred Lines” – Robin Thicke feat. T.I. & Pharrell
“Fire We Make” – Alicia Keys feat. Maxwell
“Hurt You” – Toni Braxton feat. Babyface
“Suit & Tie” – Justin Timberlake feat. Jay-Z
Outstanding Jazz Album
“Summer Horns” – Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, Mindi Abair, Richard Elliot (Concord Records)
“The Beat” – Boney James (Concord Records)
“The Messenger” – Kevin Eubanks (Mack Avenue Records)
“The Morning After: A Musical Love Journey” – Najee (Shanachie)
“The Songs of Stevie Wonder” – SFJAZZ Collective (SFJAZZ Records)
Outstanding Gospel Album – (Traditional or Contemporary)
“20 Year Celebration Volume 1 – Best For Last” – Donald Lawrence (Quietwater Entertainment/eOne Music)
“Azusa: The Next Generation” – Hezekiah Walker (RCA Inspiration)
“Best Days Deluxe Edition” – Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music)
“Good God” – Shirley Caesar (eOne Music)
“Music From the Motion Picture Black Nativity” – Various (RCA Inspiration)
Outstanding Music Video
“Cocoa Butter” – India.Arie
“Fire We Make” – Alicia Keys feat. Maxwell
“Made To Love” – John Legend
“Q.U.E.E.N.” – Janelle Monáe feat. Erykah Badu
“Treasure” – Bruno Mars
Outstanding Song
“All Of Me” – John Legend
“Blurred Lines ” – Robin Thicke feat. T.I. & Pharrell
“Fire We Make” – Alicia Keys feat. Maxwell
“Q.U.E.E.N.” – Janelle Monáe feat. Erykah Badu
“Treasure” – Bruno Mars
Outstanding Album
“20/20 Experience – The Complete Experience” – Justin Timberlake
“Blurred Lines” – Robin Thicke
“Love In The Future” – John Legend
“Love, Charlie” – Charlie Wilson
“The Electric Lady” – Janelle Monáe
See the full list of nominees here.
