Mary J. Blige

Blige and Beyonce are the top nominees for the 38th annual NAACP Image Awards. Both received four nominations, including outstanding female artist and outstanding song (""Be Without You" and "Irreplaceable," respectively). The nominations were announced yesterday (Jan. 9) during a press conference at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills.

A committee of industry professionals and NAACP leaders across the country selected nominees in the 35 categories, which also include television, film and literature. Final selections are voted on by NAACP members. Winners will be unveiled during a two-hour live telecast March 2 on Fox. Below is the list of R&B nominees. Visit naacpimageawards.net. for more info.

Outstanding New Artist

Cherish (Capitol)

Corinne Bailey Rae (Capitol)

LeToya (Capitol)

Mario Vazquez (J Records/ Arista)

Outstanding Male Artist

Chris Brown (Zomba)

Jay-Z (Island Def Jam)

John Legend (Sony Urban)

Lionel Richie (Island Def Jam)

Prince (Universal Republic)

Outstanding Female Artist

Beyoncé (Sony/Urban)

Corinne Bailey Rae (Capitol)

Fantasia (J Records/ Arista)

India.Arie (Universal Motown)

Mary J. Blige (Geffen)

Outstanding Duo or Group

Gnarls Barkley (Downtown/Atlantic)

Outstanding Music Video

Beyoncé - "Irreplaceable" (Sony Urban)

India.Arie - "I Am Not My Hair" (Universal Motown)

Mary J. Blige - "Be Without You" (Geffen)

Prince - "Black Sweat" (Universal Republic)

Outstanding Song

"Be Without You" - Mary J. Blige (Geffen)

"Crazy" - Gnarls Barkley (Downtown/Atlantic)

"I Am Not My Hair" - India.Arie (Universal Motown)

"Irreplaceable" - Beyoncé (Sony Urban)

"Save Room" - John Legend (Sony Urban)

Outstanding Album

"B'Day" - Beyoncé (Sony Urban)

"Corinne Bailey Rae" - Corinne Bailey Rae (Capitol)

"Dreamgirls (Soundtrack)" - Various (Music World/Sony Urban/Columbia)

"Once Again" - John Legend (Sony Urban)

"Reflections: A Retrospective" - Mary J. Blige (Geffen)