MTV announced the nominees for this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, and Drake and Rihanna lead the way with five nominations each.
Both are nominated for video of the year, alongside Katy Perry, M.I.A. and newcomer Gotye, who is also up for best editing for his video, “Somebody That I Used to Know.” Other artists with multiple nods include Katy Perry with four, Beyoncé and Frank Ocean each with three, and Skrillex and One Direction with two apiece.
Drake leads Canadian artists with his five noms. Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend” video earned recognition in best male video and best pop video categories. Electronic duo Duck Sauce also picked up two nominations for their freaky “Big Bad Wolf” video. Carly Rae Jepsen is up for best new artist, while K’naan’s “Is Anybody Out There?” (featuring Nelly Furtado) is nominated for best video with a message.
The awards often take a backseat to other shenanigans. Last year, Adele and Katy Perry took home three trophies each, but the ceremony is best remembered for Beyoncé’s baby-bump reveal and Lady Gaga’s portrayal of her gender-bending character, Jo Calderone.
The 2012 MTV Video Music Awards go down on Sept. 6 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, with Alicia Keys and One Direction scheduled to perform. More performers and the host will be announced soon. Voting in many categories is open to the public.
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