MTV is destined to get its share of high TV ratings tonight during the live broadcast of what could be called the Super Bowl of music award shows.
There is no denying it. The fact that comedian Kevin Hart will be hosting the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards should already validate the shows record of off-the-wall controversy. Presented live from the Staple Center in Los Angles, music fans can also expect an unforgettable night, flaws and all.
Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift are sure to grace the stage over the course of the night, but it will be interesting to see Alicia Keys, a veteran in VMA performances, as she unveils a new track from her upcoming album, “Girl on Fire.”
Viewers can also expect some power performances from Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s opening act and a rocking number from Green Day.
Heartthrob boy band One Direction and Odd Future’s R&B vocalist Frank Ocean are just a few of the newcomers, anxious for their chance to rock the stage. Both of them are also nominated for “Best New Artist,” alongside Carly Rae Jepsen and The Wanted.
Despite the UK pop group’s repeat nomination for three other categories, Katy Perry and Rihanna are also neck-and-neck when it comes to their nomination for “Best Female Video” and “Video of the Year,” but RiRi’s nomination for “Best Pop Video” gives her more chances to grab a moon man.
Drake and Justin Beiber are duking it out, as both are nominated for “Best Male Video,” but the suave Young Money member also has his sights set on stealing a moon man from Minaj, Jay-Z and Kanye West and Childish Gambino for “Best Hip-Hop Video.”
Drake is also in the run for the ultimate prize of the night against Gotye, Perry, Rihanna and M.I.A. for the “Video of the Year” award.
Television audiences can expect to see Young Money and G.O.O.D Music in the building, but it will also be surprising to see Ocean bring along Tyler, The Creator and the rest of Odd Future or Rocky tagging along with the rest of the A$AP Mob. With One Direction also in the mix, each crew is looking for bragging rights, whether it is grabbing more awards or making their performance the best of the night.
E! News reported that One Direction and Pink are seated between Chris Brown and Rihanna, and given the behind the scene beef between Brown and Drake, there is no telling what could go down.
Despite the winners, losers and drama, the 2012 VMA’s will be an onslaught of bright lights, groundbreaking performances and a star-studded two-hour television special that will surely leave music fans more than satisfied.