Katy Perry's "Firework" is a top contender at Sunday's "2011 MTV Video Music Awards," airing live from Los Angeles beginning at 9 p.m. EDT.
Stemming from the top-selling "Teenage Dream" CD, the video has been a summertime tune of self-love and acceptance. It's certainly a change of pace from the other nominees up for Video of the Year, the night's top honor.
The Beastie Boys' "Make Some Noise" follows the rapping trio as they smash up a street in New York City, breaking into stores, stealing beer and turning over tables at an outdoor cafe. Guest stars witnessing the scene include Will Arnett, Rainn Wilson, Ted Danson and Will Ferrell.
Even soulful superstar Adele breaks a few things in her Video of the Year-nominated "Rolling in the Deep," in which crunching up plates signifies the fury in her voice.
Bruno Mars drags a piano through the streets of New York in his mournful "Grenade," a number about unrequited love.
Newcomer Tyler the Creator's "Yonkers" could be the creepiest Video of the Year nominee, as a giant bug crawls on his arm and his eyes turn black.
It's an interesting year for veterans of the music-video genre. Recent headline-grabbers such as Justin Bieber, Cee-Lo Green, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and Eminem are up for honors, but none of them dominates the nominations.
Kanye West received the most nominations, 11. He's followed by Perry, who has 10, and Adele at seven.
Presenters are scheduled to include Jonah Hill, Kim Kardashian, Taylor Lautner, Seth Rogen and Jared Leto.
As with most award shows, winning doesn't matter nearly as much as the outrageousness happening on stage. Past editions of the music-video show had Madonna and Spears locking lips, wardrobe malfunctions and bleeped-out language.
Lil Wayne is using the awards show to boost his latest CD. He will release the album "Tha Carter IV" online immediately following the ceremony.
Other highlights for the week of Aug. 28 to Sept. 3 (check local listings):
Sunday
"Cuff'd" (11 p.m., MTV). The latest series from the video channel is like "Punk'd," except it follows young offenders after they get arrested -- and nobody's laughing.
Monday
"American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior" (9 p.m., Discovery Channel). As season two begins, the strife between bike builder Paul Teutul Sr. and his son may be lessened.
Tuesday
"Pretty Little Liars" (8 p.m., ABC Family). The mysterious and lurking "A" decides to step up the pressure on friends Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer during this "midseason finale."
Thursday
"Nick News with Linda Ellerbee" (9 p.m., Nickelodeon). The veteran reporter breaks down what happened on Sept. 11, 2001, to her audience of children, many of whom don't recall the events of that date.
Friday
"Star Trek: Next Generation" marathon (starting at 8 a.m., SyFy). The channel will run a 12-hour marathon of the series.
"Wipeout" (7 p.m., Tru TV). The hit ABC series -- and the word "hit" is literal -- repeats many of its installments on Tru TV.
