MTV VMAs 2016 preview: 8 rumors about Sunday's show
The VMAs almost always bring big moments!
Last year alone, MTV's annual best-in-music-videos awards show featured Miley Cyrus hosting with a variety of outrageous outfits, while Nicki Minaj threw epic shade with her "Miley, what's good"-heard-round-the-world acceptance speech, and Kanye West announced his 2020 presidential run (after THEN-BFF TAYLOR SWIFT introduced the rapper for his Video Vanguard Award!).
That's a pretty incredible rundown that the 2016 Video Music Awards will be trying to top, and there has been no shortage of rumblings, reports, and things we've learned about how MTV plans to do so.
Here are eight amazing rumors we really hope pan out at this year's show. Click through to see what's buzzing.
1. Beyonce may perform
Multiple sources tell ET that the #BeyMAs are happening, and MTV has been teasing the "Formation" singer's stunning 2003 performance on Twitter.
There has -- as of yet -- been no officially announced Prince or David Bowie remembrance, leading some to believe that Queen Bey could deliver an epic tribute performance, but it's anyone's guess what the pop diva who can do anything will do.
However, it's safe to say we should be expecting something #FLAWLESS.
Oh, and we should mention that Beyonce is also up for a record 11 awards going into the night.
2. Ariana Grande "as we've never seen her"
A source tells ET that Ariana Grande is taking the stage with Nicki Minaj for an epic performance that will showcase the "Dangerous Woman" singer "as we've never seen her."
It's already been quite a year for Grande, who has recovered from her 2015 "donut fiasco" growing pains by releasing a pretty amazing album, and showing off her basically out-of-this-worldvocal abilities. And who better to team up with for a big statement performance than Minaj -- 2015's reigning VMA queen!
3. Frank Ocean and Barbra Streisand to present Video Vanguard Award
A source tells ET that fresh off his innovative (if very delayed!) "Blonde" album release, Frank Ocean and singing legend Barbra Streisand will team up to bestow one of the show's highest honors -- the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award -- upon Rihanna. Past recipients include Kanye West, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears.
4. Rihanna to perform multiple times
What's better than RiRi? More RiRi!
In addition to receiving the Vanguard Award, multiple sources tell ET that the "Anti" singer will perform four -- count 'em, four! -- times during the VMAs, and will show off a number of her impressively eclectic musical styles.
5. The Final Five to step onto the VMAs red carpet
Just because the Rio Games are over doesn't mean we have to say goodbye to our favorite Olympic team!
The U.S. women's gymnastics team champions -- Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Madison Kocian and Laurie Hernandez, told ET that they will be attending the big show, hopefully with their bevy of medals in tow.
6. The return of Kanye West
Even before his unreal Video Vanguard acceptance speech in 2015, Kanye West has had a long and storied history with the VMAs, and a source tells ET he will make the trip again this year, where he is nominated for "Video of the Year" for his highly controversial "Famous" video.
There's also a lot of fodder for the outspoken artist to make a statement on this year, from his rekindled feud with Taylor Swift, to his recent series of tweets about how Ocean's "Blonde" album hasn't yet gotten the respect it deserves from radio stations.
Love him or hate him, the 39-year-old rapper is never shy about expressing his beliefs, and for that reason, it doesn't even really feel like the VMAs could be the VMAs without West!
7. Will Adele make an appearance?
Even discounting the fact that Adele is a welcome addition to any event always, the "25" singer trails only Beyonce with eight nominations this year, and doesn't have any dates scheduled Sunday night on her 2016 tour.
One would hope the British star will not only be in attendance, but will be bringing us to tears as she very easily does!
8. Lady Gaga may perform a new song
OK ... this one's admittedly a little shaky.
There has been a supposed "production note" photo circulating on Twitter that Lady Gaga will be opening the show, and debuting a new song allegedly titled "Chaos Angel."
Now, a source tells ET the photo is very fake, and we haven't heard anything about a Gaga performance. Which could mean it's not happening OR it's being kept very under wraps.
That being said, we really, really WANT this rumor to be true, if only because we've really gone long enough without new Gaga music in our lives.
Of course, to see what really happens -- planned, or otherwise -- we'll have to tune in when the MTV VMAs air Sunday Aug. 28 at 9/8c from Madison Square Garden in New York City.