US pop star Katy Perry leads the way at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) with nine nominations. The singer’s nods include video of the year for Firework, best pop video and best special effects. British singer Adele and Kanye West picked up seven nominations apiece. Other multiple nominees included Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Bruno Mars. The VMAs are scheduled to take place on 28 August in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live in the US. Perry, who married comedian Russell Brand last year, was also nominated for best female video, best collaboration, best art direction and best cinematography.
“I have nine nominations. I thought that was a typo or something,” the star told MTV. “That’s the most nominations I’ve ever gotten for anything.” In the video of the year category – considered to be the most prominent award of the night – Perry will compete alongside Adele, Mars, the Beastie Boys and Tyler, The Creator. After a record-breaking 13 nominations last year, Lady Gaga received just three.
She will take on Perry, Adele, Beyonce and Nicki Minaj in the best female video award. Last year the Bad Romance singer dominated the awards ceremony, taking home eight prizes. Mars and West will do battle in the best male video category, alongside Justin Bieber, Cee-Lo Green and Eminem. And Perry, Adele and Mars will take on Britney Spears and Pitbull in the battle for best pop video.