 NEW YORK (Top 40 Charts) - With 10 nods, Nelly heads the list of 2002 Billboard Music Awards' finalists. Among the categories the St. Louis rapper's nominated in are Male Artist, R&B/Hip-Hop Male Artist and Rap Artist of the year. Ashanti isn't far behind, with seven nods for her solo work and two for her collaborations. Canada's latest 'It' girl, Avril Lavigne is up for Female Artist Of The Year and New Artist Of The Year. The 2002 Billboard Music Awards, which are based on sales and radioplay will be held on December 9th at Las Vegas. You can catch the show on MuchMusic Saturday January 4th at 6 and 9PM ET. Meanwhile, fellow Canadians Nickelback will vie for the 2002 Billboard Award along with Creed, Linkin Park and Puddle Of Mudd in the Duo/Group Of The Year category.  The full nominations list for 2002:
ARTISTS
Female Artist of the Year
- Ashanti
- Avril Lavigne
- Jennifer Lopez
- Pink
Male Artist of the Year - Eminem
- Ja Rule
- Nelly
- Usher
New Artist of the Year - Ashanti
- Vanessa Carlton
- Avril Lavigne
- The Calling
Duo/Group of The Year - Creed
- Linkin Park
- Nickelback
- Puddle of Mudd
ALBUMS Album of the Year - Weathered - Creed
- The Eminem Show - Eminem
- Nellyville - Nelly
- M!ssundaztood - Pink
HOT 100 SINGLES Hot 100 Single of the Year R&B/HIP-HOP R&B/Hip-Hop Male Artist of the Year - Eminem
- Ludacris
- Nelly
- Usher
R&B/Hip-Hop Female Artist of the Year - Aaliyah
- Ashanti
- Mary J. Blige
- Faith Evans
R&B/Hip-Hop New Artist of the Year R&B/Hip-Hop Single of the Year - "Foolish" -- Ashanti
- "Half Crazy" -- Musiq
- "Hot In Herre" -- Nelly
- "U Don't Have to Call" - Usher
R&B/Hip-Hop Album of the Year - Ashanti - Ashanti
- The Eminem Show - Eminem
- Word of Mouf-- Ludacris
- Nellyville -- Nelly
COUNTRY Country Singles Artist of the Year - Garth Brooks
- Alan Jackson
- Toby Keith
- Tim McGraw
Country Female Artist of the Year - Sara Evans
- Faith Hill
- Martina McBride
- Jo Dee Messina
Country Male Artist of the Year - Garth Brooks
- Kenny Chesney
- Alan Jackson
- Toby Keith
Country Duo/Group of the Year - Brooks & Dunn
- Dixie Chicks
- Lonestar
- Rascal Flatts
Country Single of the Year Country Album of the Year - Scarecrow - Garth Brooks
- Home - Dixie Chicks
- Drive - Alan Jackson
- "O' Brother Where Art Thou" - Soundtrack
ROCK Rock Artist of the Year - Creed
- Nickelback
- Puddle of Mudd
- Staind
Rock Track of the Year Modern Rock Artist of the Year - Hoobastank
- Incubus
- Puddle of Mudd
- System of A Down
Modern Rock Track of the Year ADULT CONTEMPORARY Adult Contemporary Artist of the Year - Celine Dion
- Enya
- Enrique Iglesias
- Five for Fighting
Adult Contemporary Single of the Year RAP Rap Artist of the Year - Fat Joe
- Ja Rule
- Ludacris
- Nelly
Rap Track of the Year
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