S. Samuel
Young Money rapper Nicki Minaj has been chosen to help promote the upcoming Video Music Awards (VMAs) by taking part in the annual ceremony's photo shoot.
Leaked photos show Minaj portraying a housewife, motorist and 1950’s teenager.
Nicki Minaj Homemaker, who received her first VMA nomination for Best New Artist, dreams up her newest role as a pampered ’50s housewife in these behind-the-scenes photos from her 2010 MTV Video Music Awards promo shoot. In the clip, an orange-haired Nicki envisions an imaginary photo shoot while riding a purple motorcycle to the September 12 awards show. “I don’t even have my album out and I’m part of the freakin’ promo!” she tells Entertainment Weekly. “Basically, they’re documenting my rise and paralleling that with my journey, literally, to the VMAs.” (Rap-Up)
At next month’s ceremony, Minaj will compete against other artists like Drake and B.o.B. for awards.
Katy Perry‘s ode to her home state “California Gurls,” featuring Snoop Dogg, is up for Best Female Video, along with Ke$ha‘s “Tik Tok”; “Video Phone” with Lady Gaga and Beyoncé; Taylor Swift‘s “Fifteen” and Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” In Best Male Video, Usher‘s epic “OMG” lands a nod, as well as Jason Derulo‘s “In My Head,” Drake’s “Find Your Love,” Eminem‘s “Not Afraid” and B.o.B’s “Airplanes.” Many of the pop world’s recent favorites will face off in the Best New Artist category. Justin Bieber (“Baby”), Ke$ha (“Tik Tok”), Jason Derulo (“In My Head”), Nicki Minaj (for her Sean Garrett collabo “Massive Attack”) and indie supergroup Broken Bells (“The Ghost Inside”) will see who can dominate as this year’s reigning newbie. (MTV)
B.o.B. recently reflected on pop star Lady Gaga leading the ceremony with 13 nods.
“My own personal goals have been coming to pass lately, compared to where I was,” says B.o.B. “My perspective is just enjoying it and watching it unfold.” Although the 2010 VMAs, which will air live from Los Angeles’ Nokia Theater on Sept. 12, have not announced any scheduled performers yet, B.o.B said that he would be game to take the stage. “I definitely would,” he says. “Why not? That’s like, ‘Let’s party!'” B.o.B. also said that he was “not surprised” to hear of Lady Gaga’s record 13 VMA nominations because of how innovative her music videos have become. “She’s already made her mark in history,” he says. (Billboard)
Following last week’s nominees announcement, Eminem released a playful statement sharing his reaction.
“Apparently MTV doesn’t care that I have two massive stadium shows on the other side of the country the day after the VMAs. F me, right?!?!,” says the rapper, who’s up for Best Male and Best Hip Hop Videos. “I mean, I’ll be there but don’t expect me to be nice about it.” (PEOPLE)
The 2010 MTV Video Music Awards will air live from the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeleson Sunday, September 12, at 9 p.m.
Check out more photos from the promo shoot below:
