Actually, it was an award for the art direction. So technically it's not an award for Ayu herself.

I disagree that AKB48 and Arashi's going to win... AKB48 and Arashi are just groups with a bunch of fangirls, while Ayu's showing off pure originality, nothing like Arashi's doing, and AKB48's a theatre group... (!)

And, uhh...Justin Bieber? Why would an American boy around my age be part of an awards competition where we've got Ayu, Arashi, AKB48 and such!?

^it doesn't matter, Arashi and AKB48 have a lot of fans, so therefore they are popular. They could easily win over Ayu, as much as I hate to admit that. But I am really pulling for Ayu to win!
And VAMPS!!!
AND....GACCHIN~ :luv2

Japan obviously doesn't care about originality, but a bunch of dull-looking girls singing crap songs, as obviously they easily sell half a million cds in a week.

whoa.. on my b'day!!
Too bad ayu refuses to receive any more awards..

Good to see Ayu on the list of nominees, however long it may be.

Anyone know why Gackt is nominated in the Independent Artist category? Does "Independent" mean something different to the Japanese music industry?

..the Beaver kid?

:laugh Oh hell no.

first nomination after many years..

I can't see the goddess with Justin Bieber....
But Ayu rocks!

I'm sure ayu's going to win next year! :luv2 with the 50th single anniversary coming up~~ and everything~ :D :D

I'm tired with all these ARASHI winnings... :( i'm just curious, are THEY REALLY THAT GOOD???

why the hell that lip syncer kid been nominated??? o.0

Ahh hope Ayu win this award but Im pretty sure, Arashi gonna take most of the awards home

That's really a matter of an opinion, they used to have a few amazing singles, but lately they've been playing it safe so there is not much in it for me.

YAY AYU!! How did beiber make it and not lady gaga...

I am so proud of AYU, this award can be very important~^^

ewww justine beaver

But yeah I'm hoping Ayu will win. It'll really make the 50th anniversary special.

Hence why the queen of "dull-looking girls singing crap songs" aka Justin Bieber is also nominated. Kinda insulting that he's even in the same category as Ayu.

Ayu performing would be a very good way for Billboard to become a household name in Japan like it is in the USA. Since Billboard is relatively new to Japan if I'm right.

So here's hoping for a performance! :)

Billboard is sales based... The best selling acts are being nominated... Nothing wrong with Bieber being there o.O

Justin Bieber.... ?_? What the..... >_<

eeeh, why is bieber there? D:
Ayu should win this!