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While the BET Awards have been recognized for putting together a host of amazing performances in year’s past, including the pairing of TLC, EnVogue, Alicia Keys and SWV as well as Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holliday, organizers of the annual celebration have come under fire in recent years for failing to present a positive event. With nominees and performers announced Tuesday, May 18, controversy over the show has reignited with not just performers but nominees under attack.

It’s no secret that BET attempted the unthinkable by scrapping a show planned for weeks, if not months, to pay tribute to late entertainer Michael Jackson in 2009. Depending on who you ask, that decision was either good or terrible. But, that decision was not the talk of the net when the show ended. That honor went to Lil Wayne’s profanity filled performance of “Everygirl” with his daughter and her friends dancing on stage.

Sparking heavy debate, the performance ended up being addressed by Columbia University clinical instructor Dr. Janet Taylor:

“Perhaps, they are what our kids are used to. I have teenagers, girls no less, who have heard the song and like it,” Taylor told MomLogic.com while referencing the song’s lyrics. “My problem was with the preteens who were proudly onstage, shaking their groove thang to this misogynistic, disrespectful song. It was ridiculous. Debra Lee, the CEO of BET, also the mother of two children, should be asking herself who approved this and how these young girls were allowed to be a part of this ‘act.'”

Due to the performance and debatable overall presentation of the 2009 ceremony some have sworn off supporting the 2010 BET Awards telecast, calling the just announced line-up and nominees the “same ol'” trick.

Despite the controversy BET did switch a few things up this year, including the return of the Best Female Hip Hop Artist category (while debatable); a Best International Act award; and the introduction of the Centric Award (likely a replacement of the BET J Cool Like That Award).

In addition to that however, one nominee in particular has people up in arms over how he was nominated while others were not — we’re talking about Justin Bieber.

While his success with “My World 2.0” is undeniable, is he really nominated for a BET Award in the Best New Artist category ?

BET exec Stephen Hill, picking up on the controversial nomination, has already defended the nomination, stating: “Bieber has crossed the colour boundaries the same way that hip-hop has crossed the boundaries the other way for a number of years. He’s had rhythm in his music. He makes the type of music our audience likes.”

But what about Lady Gaga ?

Has Lady Gaga not crossed over ‘colour boundaries’ and become an artist worthy of nominations beyond her collaboration with Beyonce on “Video Phone” ?

Nonetheless, the 2010 BET Awards are slated to air Sunday, June 27, 2010 on BET.

The question is, will you be watching ?