MUMBAI: Rihanna leads the nomination for the 2011 Billboard Music Awards with 18 categories, including Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Female Artist, Top R&B Artist and Top Dance/Electronic Artist 

Eminem ranks at the second spot with 16 categories including Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Artist, Top Male Artist and Top Rap Artist, followed by Lady Gaga at third position with 12 categories including Top Touring Artist. Pop heartthrobs Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber ties up for fourth position with 11 categories, and will face off for Top New Artist and Top Male Artist.

Ke$ha, Nicki Minaj and Taio Cruz are nominated for Top new artist nominees, whereas Michael Buble, Roger Waters, Bon Jovi and U2 has received the nomination for Top Touring Artist.

Billboard chart performance has introduced 46 categories which also include radio airplay, Top Digital Song, Top Streaming Song (Audio and Video) and sales factors.