Already have an account?
Get back to the

6 Things We’re Psyched to See at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards: Britney Spears, Rihanna and More

Britney Spears, Rihanna, VMAs
Britney Spears and RihannaGetty Images (2)

Are you ready for the biggest night in music? Rihanna, Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Kanye West and more A-list stars are set to appear at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, August 28. Us Weekly rounds up six things we’re excited to see at this year’s highly anticipated ceremony.

Related: PHOTOS: The Wildest, Most Iconic MTV VMAs Moments of All Time

1. Rihanna, Rihanna, Rihanna!

The “Work” singer, 28, is set to take the stage at New York City’s Madison Square Garden multiple times at this year’s affair. Rihanna will be presented with the coveted Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award in honor of her record-breaking career. She’s also scheduled to perform “several songs throughout the show,” a source previously confirmed to Us.

“It’s going to be one of those ‘holy crap!’ VMA moments,” VMA executive producer Jesse Ignjatovic told Entertainment Weekly of Rihanna’s performances earlier this week. “She’s not playing; she’s bringing it.”

2. Britney Spears’ VMA Comeback

The pop princess, 34, will deliver her first VMA performance in nearly a decade on Sunday night. Spears will be joined on stage by rapper G-Eazy to perform their collaboration “Make Me…” from her recently released album, Glory. The “I’m a Slave 4 U” songstress, who has been a VMA staple since kicking off her career in 1998, admitted earlier this week that she was nervous about making her return.

“Every time I’ve performed [at the VMAs], it’s always been one of those really big, nerve-wracking experiences, and the people that come — those celebrities — are just so much fun and different,” she told 103.5 KTU on Friday, August 26. “I still get very nervous.”

Related: PHOTOS: Britney Spears' Most Iconic Moments

3. Beyoncé’s Big Surprise

Multiple sources previously confirmed to Us that Queen Bey, 34, is also scheduled to perform at the 2016 VMAs, but her plans have been kept under wraps thus far. MTV seemingly confirmed the inevitable performance via Instagram on Saturday, August 27, sharing a pic of Beyoncé’s Lemonade album cover displayed at Madison Square Garden.

Beyoncé has also reportedly been spotted hitting the rehearsal studio multiple times this week, preparing for what’s likely to be another major pop-culture moment. The entertainer is nominated for 11 Moonmen this year, including Video of the Year for “Sorry” and Best Female Video for “Hold Up.”

4. What Will Kanye West Talk About?

The “Famous” rapper, 39, will reportedly have four minutes to freely speak his mind on stage Sunday night. Like Spears, West has been somewhat of a VMAs fixture throughout his career, often making headlines for his crazy antics and lengthy rants. (And just in case you’re wondering, Taylor Swift will not be attending this year’s ceremony.) West’s controversial “Famous” music video is up for two awards: Video of the Year and Best Male Video.

Kanye West
Kanye West performs during the Power 106 Presents Powerhouse at Honda Center on June 3, 2016, in Anaheim, California. Leon Bennett/WireImage

Related: PHOTOS: Best Celebrity Music Video Cameos Ever!

5. Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj Reunite

Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj will join forces once again to perform their latest collaboration, “Side to Side,” which is Grande’s next single from her album Dangerous Woman. Grande and Minaj, who previously collaborated with Jessie J on the 2014 hit “Bang Bang,” are also set to debut the “Side to Side” music video on Sunday night, likely after their highly anticipated performance.

Last year, Minaj famously called out Miley Cyrus (“Miley, what’s good?”) during the VMAs a few days after the “Wrecking Ball” singer called the rapper “not too kind.”

6. Who Will Win Video of the Year?

This year’s Video of the Year nominees are arguably some of the strongest contenders in recent years — Adele’s “Hello,” Beyoncé’s “Formation,” Justin Bieber’s “Sorry,” Kanye West’s “Famous” and Drake’s “Hotline Bling.” Twitter users seem to think Bey will take home the prize, but the competition is definitely tough!

The 2016 MTV Video Music Awards air on MTV on Sunday, August 28, at 9 p.m. ET.

In this article

Got a Tip form close button
Got a tip for US?
We're All Ears for Celebrity Buzz!