Five things you need to know about the VMAs this year

MTV's video music awards are back...

Photo of Beyonce at the VMAs
Photo of Beyonce at the VMAs

MTV's video music awards are back...

Known for always have a sprinkling of controversy that create some of the most memorable moments in awards show history, the VMAs are always worth a watch.

Taking place in New York on Sunday, we can’t wait to see what this year has in store. In the meantime, here are five things to know before you settle in to watch them. Popcorn at the ready…

Britney is set to make her comeback

It’s been ten years since Britney took to the stage at the VMAs but with her new album, Glory, released on Friday, Sunday’s awards are the perfectly timed for her to stage her comeback.

MTV helped launch her to stardom in the 90s, and Britney’s VMA performances have always been ones to watch. Remember the ‘Slave 4 U’ snake performance in 2001? Yes. We're betting her 2016 performance is just as on point...

It’s going to be a big year for Rihanna

As well as receiving three nominations this year, Rihanna is also being presented with the Video Vanguard Award ¬– essentially the MTV version of a lifetime achievement award. Previous recipients include Beyoncé and Kanye West, so it’s a pretty big deal.

Taylor’s bailing

There’s always some drama surrounding the VMAs and this year it comes in the form of a celebrity feud. Remember that fall out between Kanye, Kim and Taylor? You know, the one where Kim Kardashian called out Taylor Swift for lying via a recorded phone conversation? Yes, that one.

Well, it’s now been reported that Taylor will be skipping the VMAs altogether this year, not only to avoid Kimye, but also her ex Calvin Harris. After a seemingly amicable split, the couple are now definitely NOT on good terms so bumping into each other would be pretty awkward.

Besides, it’s not like the VMAs have really gone well for Taylor in the past either. Remember in 2009 when Kanye stormed the stage to tell everyone Taylor didn’t deserve to win Best Video? No wonder they’ve got bad blood

There are loads of big names performing

Alongside Britney and Rihanna, Ariana Grande is set to sing with Nicki Minaj, Future is going to rap and Nick Jonas is performing his hit ‘Bacon’ with Ty Dolla $ign.

But there are also rumours that Beyoncé might make a surprise performance. After all, she is nominated for 11 awards spanning four different songs taken from recent album Lemonade.

The audience is going to be equally star-studded

From musically royalty like Jay Z, Drake, Rihanna and Beyoncé, to upcoming talent such as Alessia Cara, Zara Larsson and Kanye West’s protégé Desiigner, there’s going to be a lot of talent in the audience.

Also making an appearance are five gold medal-winning, global superstars – the American Olympic gymnastic team known as the ‘Final Five’. Cue plenty of ‘U.S.A’ chanting…

Get excited… 

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