MTV VMAs 2010: A Viewer’s Guide

Idolator Staff | September 12, 2010 10:00 am

MTV’s annual Video Music Awards circus rarely fails at delivering must-see moments — but this year, we almost certainly know what one of them will be, right off the bat: Taylor Swift will reportedly be performing a song she wrote about her infamous encounter with Kanye West at last year’s VMAs. Swift, according to an Associated Press report, has been secretly rehearsing the song, which was written earlier this year and is expected to appear on the tracklisting of her upcoming Speak Now album. (Wonder if she read his latest, best apology?) What else should you expect to see tonight? Read on.

*Eminem will open the show, possibly performing a medley of his recent hits. How do we know? Because Rihanna, who isn’t scheduled to attend, mentioned in the interview below that Em would be playing their song. UPDATE: Contrary to what Ri-Ri says in the interview, we’re hearing that she will attend, and will join Em to open the show with “Love The Way You Lie”.

*Lady Gaga, who’s up for a record 13 Moonmen, will face off against herself in the Video Of The Year category. We predict she’ll win.

*Kanye West will return to the stage, and it’s going to be emotional. Kanye tweeted earlier that he’s thinking about his Mom. Watch for ‘Ye to join his pal Justin Bieber on their unexpected collabo, “Runaway Love”.

*B.o.B and Hayley Williams will be playing their smash “Airplanes” (for the first time ever). The two finally met for the first time the other day at rehearsal. Bruno Mars will join them for a medley that will also include “Nothin’ On You” and Paramore’s “The Only Exception”.

*Nicki Minaj will be making her VMA debut, MTV will be providing her a major platform to shine: she’ll evidently be performing a remix of her irresistible “Your Love”, and will.i.am will join her to perform their collabo, “Check It Out”. You know who’s excited to see Nicki? Florence Welch of Florence + The Machine.

*Swedish fembot Robyn will be providing the best excuse to dance, possibly some combination of “Dancing On My Own” and “Hang With Me”.

*Keep an eye out for Jason Derulo doing “Ridin’ Solo”, while Travie McCoy will perform his smash “Billionaire” — both will apparently be working out their songs with MTV’s official DJ for the event, deadmau5.

Remember to come join us for all the revelry in our VMA liveblog — bring your own popcorn, and we’ll bring the snappy banter.