The MTV Video Music Awards 2012 will kick off September 6 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles featuring performances by Alicia Keys and One Direction.

The list of nominees was announced today by MTV with Rihanna and Drake leading the nods with five nominations each.

The Awards ceremony is usually a "scandal hub." In previous years, artists have used the event to do all sorts of unpredictable things.

For instance, in 2003 Madonna and Britney Spears smooched on stage as they opened the ceremony.

In 2009, Kanye West humiliated Taylor Swift on stage after he interrupted her acceptance speech for "Best Video of the Year," saying that Beyonce deserved the award.

In 2010, Lady Gaga walked the red carpet in a dress made of raw meat that according to her, had an unpleasant odor that kept fellow artists away from her.

Other celebrities have used the event to unveil major news such as last year's awards when Beyonce revealed that she was pregnant with her first baby.

What would be some of the surprises this year? Play the Slideshow to know What to Expect.