Whatever their reasoning, MTV fans clearly want to see Britney Spears take the Video Music Awards stage again.
With help from thousands of fan votes, Spears has been nominated for the most coveted award at this year’s VMAs: the Video of the Year award, for “Gimme More.”
Spears, who is also nominated in the Best Female and Best Pop Video categories, will have to beat out the Jonas Brothers (“Burnin’ Up”), Chris Brown (“Forever”), the Pussycat Dolls (“When I Grow Up”) and the Ting Tings (“Shut Up and Let Me Go”) to win the prized Moonman.
The pop princess, who has appeared in seemingly improvised promos for the show with host Russell Brand, is coming off a much-publicized, much-jeered, tumultuous performance at last year’s ceremony, during which she appeared lethargic and out of sorts.
There are also rumors swirling that Spears could be involved in a performance capacity with this year’s show, but the network is remaining tight-lipped, as per the protocol in the days leading up to the VMAs.
MTV also announced the contenders for Best Rock Video on Friday: Paramore (“CrushCrushCrush”), Slipknot (“Psychosocial”), Linkin Park (“Shadow of the Day”), Foo Fighters (“The Pretender”) and Fall Out Boy (“Beat It”).
The VMAs will air live at 9/8c on Sept. 7 from Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood, with performances by the Jonas Brothers, Lil’ Wayne and Kid Rock.
Do you want to see Britney on stage again after last year’s debacle?
