MTV VMA Nominees Rihanna and Drake Dominate, Lady Gaga Snubbed

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, July 31, 2012

The nominees of the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards have been announced Tuesday with singers Rihanna and Drake in the lead.

Each artist garnered five nominations, while Katy Perry also led the pack with four nods from MTV.

Next in line for number of nominations were Coldplay, M.I.A., Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne, and newcomer Frank Ocean, scoring three nods apiece.

Meanwhile, Lady Gaga, who was among last year's top nominees, did not receive any nods this year.

The ceremony's top award for Video of the Year is up for grabs by Drake, Rihanna, Katy Perry, M.I.A., and newcomer Gotye. It has been four years since a male has earned the honor.

Just weeks after a reported bar brawl between Drake and Chris Brown, the rappers will go head-to-head for Male Video of the Year at this year's VMA's. Other nominees in the category include Justin Bieber, Frank Ocean, and Usher.

Alternately, aforementioned Rihanna and Katy Perry join nominees Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, and Selena Gomez & the Scene for the Female Video of the Year award.

New York City-based group Fun. and Janelle Monae made it into this year's VMA's in the New Artist category. Also up for Best New Artist is Carly Rae Jepsen, who sings "Call Me Maybe," Frank Ocean, One Direction, and The Wanted.

New judge on Fox's "The X-Factor," Demi Lovato garnered a nod for her song "Skyscraper" in Best Video with a Message. The singer will compete for the award against Rise Against, Kelly Clarkson, Gym Class Heroes, K'Naan featuring Nelly Furtado, and Lil Wayne.

For a full list of the categories and nominees, visit mtv.com.

The 2012 MTV VMA's will air on Sept. 6 at 8 p.m. EST from Los Angeles' Staples Center. The show will feature performances from four-time VMA veteran Alicia Keys and VMA first-timers One Direction.

Fans can vote for their favorite artists in VMA categories on VMA.MTV.com.