MTV VMA 2011 nominations: Who missed out?

Ever since Madonna performed her iconic hit 'Like A Virgin' at MTV's Video Music Awards in 1984, the event has become a focus for controversy as well as a constant sore point for serious pop fans. The announcement of today's nominees was no exception; and while there are some no-brainers (see Katy Perry's 'Last Friday Night' for best pop video) and a few welcome surprises, there are several worthy acts who have, as ever, been overlooked.

So many, in fact, that 'VMAnominationfailure' trended on Twitter worldwide within minutes of the shortlist being announced; the most common complaints being Rihanna and Ke$ha's absence, Adele's appearance seven times for merely "sitting down" in her 'Rolling in the Deep' clip, and several acts being placed in the wrong category.

Special mention goes to Rihanna, who failed to gain a single nomination despite a string of impressive and worldwide-reaching music videos in the last 12 months. Claims of plagiarism for her 'S&M' clip aside, her 'Only Girl (In The World)' promo is a textbook example of a beautifully-crafted music video. Watch the promo in all its rose-tinted glory below:



Even Katy Perry, who is up for nine prizes, noted the absence of her contemporaries. As well as Rihanna's 'S&M', she tweeted that Taylor Swift's 'Back to December, Ke$ha's 'Blow', Jessie J's 'Price Tag' and any(!) Robyn video from the last 12 months all deserved a nod. Perhaps she could forgo the categories she's nominated in for 'Firework' and dish them out to her peers?

That said, the show's real controversy has always extended well beyond the prizes themselves. For an event that has played host to both the rise and fall of Britney Spears, Lady GaGa's infamous meat dress and seen Kayne West's cringe-worthy falling out with Taylor Swift, does it really matter who is nominated or ultimately who wins?

What do you make of this year's VMAs shortlist? Who do you think should have been nominated? Leave your comments in the box below: