Top nominees for the 2010 BET Awards include Melanie Fiona, Trey Songz, Alicia Keys, Beyonce and Jay-Z, along with Rihanna, singer of “Rated R,” and Sade with her chart-topper “Soldier of Love.”

The music-related nominees for this year are rounded out by Ester Dean, Chrisette Michele, Trina, Fabolous, Ludacris, Nicki Minaj and Monica. The nominees were announced on May 18.

Rihanna, one of the leading female artists, received three nominations. For her work on “Rated R,” her 2009 album, Rihanna has been nominated for Best Female R&B Artists. She has also been nominated for her collaborations with Kayne West and Jay-Z on “Run This Town.” Tied with two nominations are Sade and Monica, singer of “Still Standing.”

The first nomination for Sade is the first BET Best International Act Award. Sade is featured along with Hip Hop Pantsula, Kojo Antwi, Estelle, K’Naan, M-I, P-Square, Dizzee Rascal, Corrinne Bailey Rae and Chipmunk. Her and Monica have been nominated for the Centric Award, which was previously called “BET J Cool Like That.” For her song “Everything To Me,” Monica was nominated for Viewer’s Choice Award.

Names missing from the nominees list for this year’s BET Awards, including the new Best International Act Award, included Alexandra Burke, JLS, R. Kelly, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston.

Host for the 2010 BET Awards will be Queen Latifah. The ceremony will take place on June 27 in Los Angeles, CA at Shrine Auditorium.