Ready for Blast Off
Will you be Katy Perry's witness? The pop star is set to host the star-studded event, and she's taking the role quite seriously. "I've been training with MTV in zero gravity, eating astronaut ice cream, and I'm on a group text with Buzz Aldrin and Neil deGrasse Tyson," Perry announced to E! News. "Come Aug. 27, I'll be ready to be your MOONWOMAN! Brace for impact, kids."
Think Pink!
With six Video Music Awards to her name, 18 nominations and an even larger repertoire of iconic visuals, it makes total sense that Pink would receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award this year. She's also scheduled to perform—fingers crossed for a "Lady Marmalade" reunion! After all, it did win Video of the Year back in 2001.
Not-So Humble Brag
Kendrick Lamar's year just keeps getting better. He dominates the competition with eight nominations, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year and Best Hip-Hop Video, for "HUMBLE." The rapper faces off against Bruno Mars ("24K Magic"), Alessia Cara ("Scars to Your Beautiful"), DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna and Bryson Tiller ("Wild Thoughts") and The Weeknd ("Reminder") for the evening's most coveted honor.
A Close Second
Trailing closely behind Kung Fu Kenny in nomination count is The Weeknd and Katy Perry, who start off the 2017 VMAs with five noms each. Perry's "Chained to the Rhythm" and "Bon Appetit" received recognition in technical categories like Best Direction and Best Visual Effects, while Selena Gomez's beau may go home with Artist or Video of the Year. As always, it's anyone's guess.
Miley's Return
Miley Cyrus' finger foam tryst at the 2013 VMAs feels like a distant memory nowadays, especially with the former wild child's recent rebranding efforts. She'll return to the VMAs stage on Sunday to perform her latest single, "Younger Now." Other artists scheduled to perform include Katy Perry, Kendrick Lamar, Fifth Harmony, Shawn Mendes, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Lorde, Ed Sheeran, Logic, Post Malone, Gucci Mane and Julia Michaels.
Cake By Sin City
And speaking of performers, MTV recently announced that the show will feature two performances broadcast live from Las Vegas. DNCE and Rod Stewart will team up to perform the latter's classic hit "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy" and Demi Lovato will bring down the house with her Song of Summer-nominated track, "Sorry Not Sorry."
One Small Step for Man...
In keeping with an influx of change at the network, the VMAs is doing away with the "Moonman" trophy in favor of a gender-free space traveler, henceforth dubbed the "Moon Person." In an interview with the New York Times, MTV's president Chris McCarthy explained, "Why should it be a man? It could be a man, it could be a woman, it could be transgender, it could be nonconformist.
Pre-Show Party
Before K.P. officially kicks things off, she'll pass the baton to Lil Yachty while he hosts the VMAs pre-show held at The Forum. Hip-hop's breakout diva Cardi B will perform as well as indie-pop group Bleachers and R&B singer Khalid.
Summer of Despacito
For the first time ever, music lovers cast their vote for Song of Summer via Snapchat. We'd put money on Justin Bieber, Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's remix of "Despacito" as the clear standout, but they're up against a strong group of contenders. Other nominees include Fifth Harmony ft. Gucci Mane ("Down"), Camila Cabello ft. Quavo ("OMG"), Ed Sheeran ("Shape of You"), Demi Lovato ("Sorry Not Sorry"), Shawn Mendes ("There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back"), DJ Khaled ft. Bryson Tiller and Rihanna ("Wild Thoughts") and Lil Uzi Vert ("XO Tour Llif3").
Surprises in Store?
And now for the question on everyone's mind: Will Taylor Swift show up to the VMAs?! She's officially announced her new album, titled Reputation, and there's plenty of reports circulating that indicate T. Swift could make her comeback (or play some part) at the big event. Only time will tell!