2014 MTV Video Music Awards Preview

The 2014 MTV Video Music Awards returns this Sunday and it includes an impressive star-studded line up of performers.

Superstars Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj and Jessie J will kick off the awards show with a bang (literally). The trio will be performing their new song “Bang Bang” together for the first time.

Jessie J said in a statement, “When I was the VMA House Artist in 2011 I had a broken foot and I sat on the side stage dreaming about being on that main stage. So when I say that this performance is a dream come true for me, I truly mean it. And to be able to share this moment with superstars like Ariana & Nicki, it’s going to be such an amazing night!”

Following their performance, Grande and Minaj will return back to the stage later in the show to perform separately. It’s going to be interesting to see Minaj perform her latest controversial single “Anaconda” live onstage. Additional scheduled performances include Taylor Swift, Iggy Azalea, Maroon 5, Sam Smith, Beyonce and more live onstage.

Beyonce is the top nominee and will compete for eight total awards. The star will be receiving the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, an honor previously given to Britney Spears and Madonna. Eminem has been nominated for seven moonmen.

Hosting the pre-show will be Pretty Little Liars star and country singer Lucy Hale, with guest presenters Lorde, Demi Lovato, Jason Derulo, Nina Dobrev, and the cast of Orange is the New Black taking the stage.

Last year’s ceremony created the awards’ largest online reaction after Miley Cyrus performed onstage alongside Robin Thicke and a giant foam finger. The “Get Her Back” singer’s wife Paula Patton was reportedly “humiliated” by his infamous performance of “Blurred Lines” with Cyrus. Neither artists will be performing at this year’s awards show.

Check out the full list of the nominees here, and tune in Sunday, August 24, at 9/8c ET to see who wins at the Forum in Inglewood, California.