In making the announcement, MTV pointed out Michael Jackson’s long history with the VMAs, including winning awards for Thriller as well as the famous kiss he shared with then-spouse Lisa Marie Presley.
Left out of MTV’s announcement was that moment in 2002 when the event took place on Jackson’s birthday and Britney Spears gave the introduction saying she considered him “the artist of the millennium.”
But Jackson misunderstood Spears’ remarks and thought he was receiving the VMA “Artist of the Millennium” award. Of course, there’s no such thing, but that didn’t stop Jackson from delivering an impromptu acceptance speech thanking the music video channel for the nonexistent honor.
Airing this Sunday night at 9 p.m., this year’s awards mark the return of Brit comic Russell Brand as host of the extravaganza. MTV is also touting this year’s VMAs as a battle of sorts between the divas – Beyoncé vs Lady GaGa. Both performers are up for 9 awards.
Other artists and bands appearing at this year’s VMAs include Green Day, Pink, Jay-Z, Taylor Swift and Muse. For more information, please click here for the complete MTV article.