Award Nominations: 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards

Earlier today, the 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards announced their nominees for the forthcoming 2014 ceremony and in the music category there were a few surprise nominations (Robin Thicke and Justin Timberlake) in my opinion and some much deserved recognition (K. Michelle, Emeli Sandé, Laura Mvula, Candice Glover, Ledisi, etc.).

While I can maybe understand the nomination of Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke's inclusion is beyond baffling as he is currently in litigation with Marvin Gaye's estate over his culturally appropriated song "Blurred Lines" which to me goes against what the NAACP stands for.

Either way you feel, I am glad the likes of Ariana Grande, Candice Glover, K. Michelle, Ledisi, Emeli Sandé and Laura Mvula received some NAACP Image Awards nominee love as they have all put out projects and/or material this year that warrant much more attention.

Peep the recently announced nominees below and lookout for the telecast of the 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 9 p.m. on TV One.

Outstanding New Artist

Ariana Grande (Republic Records)
Candice Glover (19 Recordings/Interscope Records)
K. Michelle (Atlantic Records)
RaVaughn Brown (Columbia Records)
Zendaya (Hollywood Records)

Outstanding Male Artist

Bruno Mars (Atlantic Records)
Charlie Wilson (RCA Records)
John Legend (Columbia Records)
Justin Timberlake (RCA Records)
Robin Thicke (Star Trak/Interscope)

Outstanding Female Artist

Beyoncé (Columbia Records)
India.Arie (Motown Records)
Janelle Monáe (Bad Boy/Atlantic)
Ledisi (Verve Records)
Mary J Blige (Verve Records/Interscope)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration

"#Beautiful" - Mariah Carey feat. Miguel (Island Def Jam)
"Blurred Lines" - Robin Thicke feat. T.I. & Pharrell (Star Trak/Interscope)
"Fire We Make" - Alicia Keys feat. Maxwell (RCA Records)
"Hurt You" - Toni Braxton feat. Babyface (Motown Records)
"Suit & Tie" - Justin Timberlake feat. Jay-Z (RCA Records)

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 World Music Album

Coming from a Lady - Lady Ele (13 Black Records)
Live At The Royal Albert Hall - Emeli Sande (Capitol)
Natalie Cole en Español - Natalie Cole (Verve Records)
Sing To The Moon - Laura Mvula (Columbia Records)
The Standards - Gloria Estefan (Masterworks)

Outstanding Music Video

"Cocoa Butter" - India.Arie (Motown Records)
"Fire We Make" - Alicia Keys feat. Maxwell (RCA Records)
"Made To Love" - John Legend (Columbia Records)
"Q.U.E.E.N." - Janelle Monáe feat. Erykah Badu (Bad Boy/Atlantic)
"Treasure" - Bruno Mars (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Song

"All Of Me" - John Legend (Columbia Records)
"Blurred Lines " - Robin Thicke feat. T.I. & Pharrell (Star Trak/Interscope)
"Fire We Make" - Alicia Keys feat. Maxwell (RCA Records)
"Q.U.E.E.N." - Janelle Monáe feat. Erykah Badu (Bad Boy/Atlantic)
"Treasure" - Bruno Mars (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Album

20/20 Experience - The Complete Experience - Justin Timberlake (RCA Records)
Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke (Star Trak/Interscope)
Love In The Future - John Legend (Columbia Records)
Love, Charlie - Charlie Wilson (RCA Records)
The Electric Lady - Janelle Monáe (Bad Boy/Atlantic)