Other VMA highlights to watch for:
The VMAs get woke
MTV is determined to make its VMA show more than fluffy entertainment in such politically tumultuous times. This is the first year that the ceremony will give out an award for protest-minded music in a new “Fight Against the System” category, and the famous Moonman is now a nongendered “Moon Person.” “We’re hyper-socially conscious — we have to [be] because of the way the world is moving,” says VMA executive producer Bruce Gillmer. Expect more than a few provocative acceptance speeches and a politically charged performance of “Walk on Water” from Jared Leto’s band Thirty Seconds to Mars. Plus, MTV has invited transgender military service members to the show.
Do you still think he’s sexy?
This ain’t your grandma’s VMAs! But tell her not to go to bed before Rod Stewart comes on. That’s right: The 72-year-old rocker is set to return to MTV for a new version of his 1978 classic “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?,” in what could be the car-crash moment of the night. “This is par for the course in many ways,” says Gillmer. “Think back to Elton John and Guns N’ Roses [performing ‘November Rain’ in 1992] or Britney Spears and Madonna [locking lips in 2003]. The idea is to bring as many people into our tent as possible.”
Pink gets a Video Vanguard Award
Seventeen years on from her debut album, “Can’t Take Me Home,” the flamboyantb singer-songwriter will be honored withw the coveted Video Vanguard Award, whichw last year was awarded to Rihanna. “Pink deserves it because of her longevity,” says SiriusXM’s Lori Majewski. “She’s never had a drought, and she can sing while doing acrobatics. Many of her contemporaries can’t sing standing still!”
The return of Miley Cyrus
The VMAs have been defined by Cyrus iin recent years: 2013 was the twerk heard around the world, and 2015 saw her arguing with Nicki Minaj during the live broadcast. Even though her latest material shows her more mature side, Gillmer teases that we’ll all still be talking about Cyrus on Monday morning. “You could guess as much as you want, but no one wwould get close to nailing what she’s about to do during the ceremony.”