Now that it's August, there are a few things to look forward to; like even more disgustingly hot weather, the prospect of Madonna falling off a horse on her birthday again and the MTV Video Music Awards.

Of these, the MTV VMAs are probably most exciting, since there's nothing we like more than seeing The Black Eyed Peas whoring themselves out for yet another awards ceremony, probably. But as far as MTV VMA nominations go, this year is set to be a head to head between gigantic one-song funk buffoons Red Hot Chili Peppers and the future Mrs hecklerspray, Shakira. Hmm, who to side for – a bloated hairy band that's been together for 23 years or a woman who once writhed around on the floor covered in motor oil for a pop video? Ooh, it's a tough one.

The MTV VMAs are exactly what a music awards ceremony should be – short, loud and unashamedly populist. Unlike The Grammys, the MTV VMAs don't last for seven weeks and don't hand out awards for Best Chronological Sleevenotes (Contemporary Polka Gospel category), and unlike The Brits, the MTV VMAs don't let fucking KT Tunstall win everything all the time. Instead, the MTV VMAs just focus on the categories that matter; Best Video and individual awards for best male, female, group, rap, R&B, hip-hop, dance, rock, pop and new videos.

This year's MTV VMAs will be held on August 31 in New York, and yesterday the MTV VMA nominations were announced. It looks set to be a good year for skinny Russian-money-grabbing Columbian women, middle-aged tantrum-throwing careerist funkers, indentikit indie rockers and Wyclef, since Shakira, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Panic! At The Disco are leading the MTV VMA pack. This year marks a difference for the Music Video Awards, since viewers are able to vote for all of the categories and not just a handful like in previous years. According to some woman who works for People magazine, this will make everything more exciting:

"It's going to be interesting to see who pulls ahead. The thing about the MTV VMAs is there can be international artists and older artists vying for the same prize and fans are equally rabid about both."

But who's up for what at the MTV VMAs? Here's just a taster – the most important category, for Video Of The Year:

Christina Aguilera – Ain't No Other Man

Madonna – Hung Up

Panic! At The Disco – I Write Sins Not Tragedies 

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Dani California

Shakira – Hips Don't Lie

Yeah, OK, this whole article was just an excuse to print a nice big picture of Shakira. So sue us. 

Read more:

Shakira, Chili Peppers Lead MTV Video Nominations – Reuters

[story by Stuart Heritage]