While folks were still reeling about the "surprise" of Britney Spears opening the MTV Video Music Awards Sunday night (um, she was part of the ad campaign promoting the show, how could she not be involved?), MTV dropped a real surprise yesterday, announcing that Kanye West would close the show.
Yes, Kanye "I Will Never Return to MTV" West has apparently gotten over his snubbing at last year's awards, though it's not really clear why. The notorious tantrum-thrower actually had a point when he questioned why a clearly not-ready Spears got the opening slot instead of him, in the wake of his massive "Stronger" hit. He also had a point about being forced to perform in a suite, while Justin Timberlake and others performed on the main stage. And yet he's signed on again and is still not opening the show. Why, 'Ye, why? (You know, other than the chance to promote your new single "Love Lockdown" and forthcoming album.)
Christina Aguilera was also announced as a performer, joining Jonas Brothers, Lil Wayne Pink, T.I. with Rihanna, and Katy Perry doing Madonna's "Like a Virgin." Sadly, that's serious.
After last year's train-wreck ratings bonanza, though, people will, no doubt, have to tune in Sunday at 9 p.m. And yes, we'll be live-blogging the nightmare here as well.
PHOTO: West from last year's VMAs from MTV.