The 2012 MTV Video Music Awards are airing live on Thursday, bringing in performances from P!nk, Frank Ocean and Rihanna. So who’s taking home the moonman for esteemed awards like Best New Artist and Most Shared Video? Here’s how we think it’s gonna go down.
Best New Artist
Who Will Win: One Direction: “What Makes You Beautiful”
Just when you thought boy bands were over. The British all-male sensation has the pre-show hype, and an equally respectable origin story, having been signed by Simon Cowell after finishing third on “X Factor.” Unless Carly Rae Jepsen can pull off an upset, 1D will win this one.
Who Should Win: Frank Ocean: “Swim Good”
In mid-July Frank Ocean released his debut album, “Channel Orange” to glowing reviews. He also came out of the closet. All eyes are on the hip-hop star, and he’s more than deserving of the attention. Ocean is a genre-crossing musician who’s doing the world a service by filling the current between-Kanye-albums void. So he has the credibility, but this is MTV, so logic can’t really be applied in determining a winner.
Best Pop Video
Who Will Win: Justin Bieber: “Boyfriend”
This year, Justin Bieber became a man. “Boyfriend” captures the 18-year-old’s broadening appeal while still satiating his tween fans. Who can resist his sensual whispers of the word “swag?” Not VMA voters.
Who Should Win: Rihanna: “We Found Love”
As a video, “We Found Love” is the most realized of the contenders. It’s stylistically exhilarating and as a whole, well-directed. Rihanna delivers on this track, but what else would we expect from the pop star?
Most Share-Worthy Video
Who Will Win: One Direction
Bieber and 1D are going head-to-head in this new category, and as of now over 40 million votes have been cast, but the difference between the two acts is only 300,000. This category is based solely on hype, so come Thursday, One Direction may actually win this one. They’re just hotter right now. But with such a close margin, who’s to say?
Who Should Win: Justin Bieber
The Canadian sensation deserves this one, at least more than One Direction. When it comes to viral videos, Bieber will always reign champ.
Can’t wait until Sept. 6? Go to http://www.mtv.com now and watch the videos, cast your votes and tell your friends. It’s gonna get crazy.