Courtesy RD/ Kabik/ Retna Digital/Pure
Look at Chris Brown now.
The resurgent R&B star, who scored the first No. 1 album of his career this year with F.A.M.E., leads the field heading into the 2011 BET Awards with six nominations, including nods for Best Male R&B Artist, Video of the Year and, er, Best Actor.
Coming in next with five nominations is Lil Wayne, who will square off in the Best Male Hip-Hop category with Kanye West and Drake, both with four apiece, as well as B.o.B. and Rick Ross.
Rihanna tops the ladies with four nominations, including Best Female R&B Artist, Coca-Cola Viewers' Choice, and twice for Best Collaboration, for "What's My Name" with Drake and West's "All of the Lights."
Brown will be competing against his ex twice—guess it was a good thing they worked out that restraining order business—in the viewers' choice category with "Look at Me Now" (with Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes) and for Best Collaboration, where he's nominated for "Look at me Now" and "Deuces" with Tyga and Kevin McCall.
Along with Rihanna, rounding out the Best Female R&B Artist race are Beyoncé, Keri Hilson, Jennifer Hudson and Marsha Ambrosius. Brown is up against Cee Lo Green, Bruno Mars, Trey Songz and Usher for Best Male R&B Artist.
Mars will be competing against wee Willow Smith for Best New Artist. The precocious 10-year-old's "Whip My Hair" is also nominated for Video fo the Year and she and brother Jaden are up for the YoungStars Award.
Brown, who in case you're wondering about the acting thing, was in the film Takers last year. But he has to beat out the likes of Don Cheadle and Idris Elba to win.
The 2011 BET Awards airs live June 26 from Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium.
Here's the complete list of nominees:
• Best Female R&B Artist
• Best Male R&B Artist
• Best Group
• Best Collaboration
• Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
• Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
• Video of the Year
• Video Director of the Year
• Best New Artist
• Best Gospel
• Best Actress
• Best Actor
• YoungStars Award
• Best Movie
Subway Sportswoman of the Year
• Subway Sportsman of the Year
Coca-Cola Viewers' Choice Nominees
Centric Award
Best International Act: Africa
Best International Act: UK