KATY PERRY TO HOST AWARDS TINGED WITH ACTIVISM T

he MTV Video Music Awards have earned notoriety for their madefor-television shock moments, but in the era of Donald Trump, the gala is set to take on a political bent.

The awards, to be broadcast worldwide on Sunday evening from Los Angeles, for the first time will honour not just videos but also activism, with a new prize for Best Fight against the System.

Pop star Katy Perry (left), fresh from a racy new album, will serve as host of the awards, which traditionally have been more closely watched for off-the-wall incidents than for news of the winners. Perry has been one of the most prominent names in the left-leaning celebrity world to campaign against Trump’s agenda — and VMA participants hinted there could be on-stage advocacy.

“The system is messed up right now; a lot of people are unhappy. It feels like a lot of voices aren’t being heard in this country,” said Terrence J, actor and TV personality, who will be part of the VMA broadcast. “Instead of just watching the show, we’re going to see a moment.”

The nominees for Best Fight against the System award include John Legend’s Surefire, on anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim sentiments in the United States. Other contenders include a celebratory tune about immigrants from the musical Hamilton, and an anthem against the disputed Dakota Access Pipeline led by Taboo of The Black Eyed Peas.

PHOTO: MARIO ANZUONI/ REUTERS