R&B queen Beyonce Knowles has topped nominations for this year’s Music of Black Origin (Mobo) Awards. The glam singer has been short listed in four categories, including the award for best international female artist, where she faces strong competition from Mary J Blige and Nelly Furtado. The 24-year-old US star is also up for best song and best video for her yet to be released track, Dj vu. She has also been named in the best R&B act category.

But Beyonce’s strong showing has been undermined by claims that Mobo organisers have rigged the rules of the awards to allow her onto their short list. The Daily Mirror reports rumours that award officials were so ‘desperate’ for the former Destiny’s Child star to inject some glamour into this year’s ceremony that they bent the rules to allow Dj vu to be included amongst the nominations, despite the fact that it is not due to be released until August 21st. Mobo reps have denied the claim, stressing that their eligibility period runs from September 2005.

This year’s award ceremony will be held at the Royal Albert Hall and screened live on BBC Three on September 20th. Meanwhile, it seems that the nation isn’t just ‘crazy in love’ with Beyonce’s music Britons are also said to be raving about the star’s latest dieting tips. Reports suggest that UK slimmers are going mad over a new maple syrup diet, which Beyonce claims helped her lose a stone before filming began for her latest movie Dreamgirls.

- Monsters and Critics