Psy nominated for six Billboard music awards

South Korean pop star Psy has been nominated to contend in six categories of the 2013 Billboard Music Awards.

Psy, who became a world sensation for his "Gangnam Style" and "Gentleman" videos, is among the finalists in six categories of the awards, including "Top New Artist," "Top Streaming Artist," and "Top Rap Artist." The Billboard Music Awards which will be held in Las Vegas and air live in the United States on May 19, according to the Billboard.com website on Tuesday.

Psy's megahit "Gangnam Style," YouTube's most popular song with over 1.5 billion hits, is competing in three of the six categories -- "Top Streaming Song (Video)," "Top Rap Song" and "Top Dance Song."

Billboard said the finalists were chosen based on key fan interactions tracked over the last year involving music, including album and digital singles sales, radio airplay, touring, streaming and social media interactions on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other popular online destinations for music.

Three global artists -- Taylor Swift, Fun and Maroon 5 -- lead the finalists, contending in a whopping 11 categories this year, according to the website.

Meanwhile, Psy's new single "Gentleman" has continued to set YouTube records, earning 200 million YouTube views Monday in just nine days after its release. (Yonhap News)