Victoria Monét and Usher lead the nominations in the music and recording categories for the 2024 NAACP Image Awards, with six and five nods, respectively.
Usher’s nominations include the prestigious Entertainer of the Year, where he competes against Colman Domingo, Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey, and Keke Palmer. He’s also up for Outstanding Male Artist alongside Burna Boy, Chris Brown, Davido, and Jon Batiste.
Monét is in the running for Outstanding Female Artist, competing with Ari Lennox, H.E.R., Janelle Monáe, and Tems. Other nominated artists include FLO, Megan Thee Stallion, Ciara, Summer Walker, and Drake.
NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson expressed excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of this year’s nominees, whose outstanding contributions across film, television and streaming, music, literature, podcasts and more have inspired us all.”
“As we reflect on the rich legacy of the NAACP, we take pride in honoring the artistic brilliance of this year’s nominees. We are excited to illuminate and celebrate the extraordinary talent within our community,” added BET Media Group CEO Scott Mills.
In the recording categories, Metro Boomin’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is in contention for Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album. The 13-track offering featured guest appearances from Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Swae Lee, and Offset, among others. Other contenders include Creed III: The Soundtrack and The Color Purple (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). Notably, the former featured original songs from J. Cole, JID, Big Sean, EST Gee, and others.
2023 proved to be a significant year for both Usher and Monét, as they received nominations for the Grammy Awards. On Tuesday (Jan. 23), the “Burn” singer was announced as a Lovers & Friends festival headliner. He will celebrate the 20th anniversary of his fourth studio album, Confessions, with a special performance. Furthermore, the R&B legend may also perform new records from COMING HOME, which debuts on Feb. 9.
