Previously Announced Performers Include Jennifer Lopez, Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna
Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum and Taio Cruz
Cee Lo, Nicki Minaj and Pitbull have been announced to perform at “The 2011 Billboard Music Awards,” hosted by Ken Jeong, which airs live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on SUNDAY, MAY 22 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. They join previously announced musical artists Jennifer Lopez, Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum and Taio Cruz.
Singer, songwriter, producer and two-time Grammy winner Cee Lo Green’s “F*** You!” emerged as an instant hit and was named Rolling Stone’s No. 1 song of the year. The hit was released in August 2010, reaching No. 1 in the UK and the Netherlands, and charting No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Green’s album, “The Lady Killer,” is currently No. 2 on Billboard’s R&B Hip Hop Albums charts, No. 3 on the Digital Albums chart and charted NO. 1 on the Rap Albums chart. Green recently released his new single, “Bright Lights, Bigger City.”
Nicki Minaj is a finalist for four Billboard Music Awards, including Top New Artist, Top Rap Artist, Top Rap Album and Top R&B Song. Minaj debuted her studio album, “Pink Friday,” in 2010, breaking into the Billboard 200. One month after its release, the Recording Industry Association of America certified the album platinum. Minaj is the first artist to have seven songs in the Billboard Hot 100 at one time. “Your Love” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart. She is the first artist to top the chart unaccompanied since 2002. Minaj is the first female artist to be included on MTV’s Annual Hot MC List.
International superstar Pitbull was announced as a finalist for three Billboard Music Awards, including Top Latin Artist, Top Latin Song — “Bon Bon” and Top Radio Song – Usher featuring Pitbull “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love.” Besides playing around the globe, Pitbull has also collaborated with some of music’s biggest stars including Enrique Iglesias, Usher, Shakira and on Jennifer Lopez’ current hit “On The Floor.” Pitbull’s new album. “Planet Pit,” comes out June 21 and features a host of pop music luminaries, plus the Top Ten Billboard Hot 100 single, “Hey Baby (Drop It to the Floor),” featuring T-Pain, and his latest chart-climbing smash “Give Me Everything,” featuring NeYo, Afrojack and Nayer.
Tickets prices begin at $57.75 for Upper Level, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are now on sale and available at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
Finalist are based on key fan interactions with music, including album, single and digital sales, airplay, touring, streaming and social interactions on MySpace, Facebook and many of the other most popular online destinations for music. The awards will be based on the reporting period of February 28, 2010 through March 1, 2011.
“The 2011 Billboard Music Awards” is a production co-executive produced by Richard D. Beckman, CEO Prometheus Global Media and Don Mischer Productions. Louis J. Horvitz is directing. David Wild and Jennifer Mischer are the writers.
The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HD format, with 5.1-channel surround sound. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.
Visit www.Billboard.com/BBMA.com for a complete list of finalists and to apply for media credentials. Music fans can also follow news about the show or related events on Twitter at www.twitter.com/billboarddotcom or Facebook at www.facebook.com/billboard.