The line-up for MTV's VMAs has been announced, and now it's time to take bets as to whether this year will serve as any less controversial than last year, following the infamous 'Miley-gate' incident. The performing artists include Jessie J, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande Usher, 5 Seconds of Summer, Maroon 5, Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Sam Smith.

Nicky Minaj performing at Summer Jam, 2014
Nicky Minaj is to sing with Ariana Grande and Jessie J for the opeing act of the VMAs

Last year's MTV Video Music Awards sparked off some controversy due to Miley Cyrus' 'seductive' twerking on the then married Robin Thicke while wearing only her underwear and making provocative gestures with a giant foam finger. Then again, controversy is big money these days so if anything, the draw of this year's VMAs is seeing if they will top last year's antics. 

More: Read About 2013's 'Miley-gate' Controversy 

The Parent's Television Council is currently petitioning MTV to attempt to keep the award show clean this year, or at least give it a 'mature' classification in an attempt to save the innocence of children. Whether MTV intends to do this or not is as of yet unknown, although it seems like the broadcaster may be sitting back and waiting for the fireworks.

"The beauty of the VMAs is we never know what's going to happen," executive producer of the Video Music Awards, Amy Doyle said to Fox. "We put the best artists and some of the world's most interesting personalities in one room, sit back and watch the magic happen" she stated. 

More: Robin Thicke's Reaction to 2013 VMAs

"Every year there is an expectation for unpredictable moments, this year that expectation feels heightened because last year is still fresh in everyone's minds. By design, each year we re-invent the show so it feels uniquely fresh" she continued.

The ceremony does not look likely to be much better, with headliner Nikki Minaj having just released the rather explicit music video for the single 'Anaconda'. She is set to perform the new single 'Bang Bang' alongside Jessie J and Ariana Grande, thus kicking the show off with a bang. Sorry. 

More: Taylor Swift's Reaction to One Direction's 2013 VMA Acceptance Speech