That Grape Juice’s Top 5: Acts Who Should Perform At 2016 VMAs

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The 2016 MTV Video Music Awards are drawing ever near.

Coming to New York’s Madison Square Garden on August 28th, many a major star will rendezvous under one roof in hopes of seeing their visual efforts recognised. Though attention remains on potential winners, many are curious as to who might take to the stage come VMA day. That Grape Juice included!

With performers for the night’s event yet to be announced, it got us wondering… who deserves a slot on the stage? Does Beyonce’s stellar year deserve a climatic live finish? Will Lady Gaga pick up the mic to introduce the start of a new era?
Find TGJ’s Top 5 selections below…

5) Britney Spears

b1ab
With Britney’s ninth studio album ‘Glory’ due just two days before, there’d be no better time for her to kick off the start of a new era with a VMA performance. Already the recipient of the VMA’s top honor (Vanguard Award), the ‘Slave 4 U’ siren’s decent delivery at the Billboard Music Awards earlier this year proves why a performance could garner her added brownie points.

4) Drake

dr123

What hasn’t Drake achieved this year? Topping the Billboard Hot 100 and 200 simultaneously, it’s easy to imagine the Toronto native extend his winning streak with a roof raising set. With the lyricist arguably at the height of his popularity, we think now would be an ideal time for the rapper to reinforce a successful year by taking to the stage.

3) Fifth Harmony

5h-work-thatgrapejuice

Given this year’s fierce competition, 5H’s chances of going home with m/any Moonmen are slim, following scant nominations. Still, the X Factor alums have successfully raised the bar for themselves both commercially and on-stage.

Owning one of the year’s most successful hits with ‘Work From Home’, the Epic collective wouldn’t feel out of place bringing the summer smash to the VMA stage. With their generous success this year, we feel a live appearance would be the cherry on top of the cake for one of the only girlbands doing it big at present.

2) Lady Gaga

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Mother Monster certainly felt the burn of the bulb with 2013’s ‘Artpop.’ Despite being a tower of talent and having solid momentum, some feel as though she has to truly show and prove. In many ways, the race is on for New York native to win back public infatuation.With her fifth studio album rumored for release later this year, now would serve as the ripest time to strike with a comeback performance. Already a certified stage blazer, the 3–year-old’s past VMA offerings have already proven to define show-stopping. Perhaps she’ll remind all of the talented performer she is later this month.

1) Beyonce

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Occupying the summit of our list is Beyonce.

The singer is arguably this generation’s most prolific performer. Now on the cusp of two decades of domination, Yoncè has established herself the era’s definitive stage scorcher. Raising the bar throughout the years, a spot on this year’s VMA bill would no doubt add to her growing list of memorable moments at the annual spectacle.

What’s more, having released the year’s most critically acclaimed and well-selling albums with ‘Lemonade,’ Mrs Carter’s now trademark pattern of shunning promotion will surely be forgiven with a stellar live showing. ‘Formation’ folks?

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What’s your take on our picks? Which were hits? Which were misses? Let us know your thoughts and who you’d like to see at the VMA’s below…

Your thoughts?

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  1. Truth August 10, 2016

    Yaaassss Bey honey!!

  2. Abdourachid August 10, 2016

    Beyoncé the greatest living entertainer

  3. Jacob August 10, 2016

    I think
    Britney
    Gaga
    Justin Timberlake
    Or Fergie with the black eyed peas as guest

    • Kris August 10, 2016

      I say go back to 2005.

      • Danny Bey August 10, 2016

        KIIIIIII ?????

  4. BLACKOUT TBH August 10, 2016

    Nobody cares about a Drake performance. He’s overrated and boring. The only people checking for 5H are 14 year olds so they can keep that too. As for Gaga, she’s done out here. Beyonce, although everything about her is stolen she still somehow manages to slay my life so you gotta give that lil Tina Turner tribute act her props. Do come through. As for Britney, as long as she’s performing an uptempo instead of Make Me, I’m here for it.

  5. ???????Chile, take this “Itty Bitty Piggy” to the market and make sure you hold her hand while crossing the street!??????? August 10, 2016

    I’m sure Katy’s gonna perform, since her single hasn’t bounced back on the charts yet, even when the video views are considered. But I don’t know about Fifth Harmony performing with all the negative attention they’re receiving as of lately, but it would be good for them to strike the iron while it’s hot.

  6. ThatMessJuice.Flop August 10, 2016

    It’s quite obvious that this site makes money by pitting Beyonce and Rihanna against each other. And each time they succeed because all u lot love dissing each other over the same thing over and over and over and over and over………. I won’t be coming back here. it’s literally become stupid to follow this nonsense. Bye

    • KenyaInFormation August 10, 2016

      Bye Ho

    • BEYSTAN_ SINCE 1997 August 10, 2016

      You won’t be missed.

      • QueenBritney August 10, 2016

        Im so sick of you being negative on every post. You don’t have a job? It’s a new queen in town on these post, and I’m going to DRAG you every time you comment! EVERY TIME

  7. S****** Blonde August 10, 2016

    Beyoncé #1, only on TGJ, she already performed there, for like 15 minutes, and we all know how that ended up being, I mean the best female performer alive (J.Lo) was so bored that she walked away after 5 minutes, so Lady Gaga or someone else would be a much better choice.

    • Rw August 10, 2016

      Lmfaooo ? Tried it

    • KenyaInFormation August 10, 2016

      LOL, Gurl WHET? According to who? Maybe at the Latin Grammys

    • Andrew August 10, 2016

      In the words of a broken heart it’s just emotions

      Jlo walked away because she was intimidated. Bee s music is not the best but she ´s the only one who turns heads wherever her name is floatting in the air. Gud night.

      • Becky August 10, 2016

        Plus, she doesn’t need a hit like rayan tedder would say, she is the hit bae!

  8. #JACKIE August 10, 2016

    Robotney doesn’t need to be performing ANYWHERE.

  9. Jayce August 10, 2016

    Kelly Rowland to surprise us with her new single I know she would slay!!

    • Andrew August 10, 2016

      Agreed with bae

    • KellyRowlandArmy August 10, 2016

      Yaaaasss you guys get it ??

      Kelly would have us shook ?

      • The Infinite One August 10, 2016

        ?No shade but but shade.. have you heard Kelly Towland sing live? I love her but the only thing shook is her vocals when she attempts to sing live. Not mam! ????????

  10. Sherrele August 10, 2016

    Beyonce

  11. Kitteneyez August 10, 2016

    Beyonce Rihanna Drake Britney Ariane Fifth Harmony Usher Tinashe should perform

  12. BEYSTAN_ SINCE 1997 August 10, 2016

    Beyoncé. If she doesn’t that’s cool she has given us many memorable performances over the past 2 decades. Honestly j just want her to snatch Madonna’s VMA record.

  13. MusicLife August 10, 2016

    From 5 I say:
    1) Britney Spears
    2) Justin Timberlake
    3) Miley Cyrus *new single debut*
    4) Zayn
    5) Gwen Stefani

    Bonus:
    6) The Weeknd
    7) DNCE and/or Nick Jonas
    8) Selena Gomez
    9) Jennifer Lopez…

    I don’t expect or think of the biggest acts of the urban world to attend or perform at the VMAs. Like Drake and Bey are good but it’s like they hardly go to BET events and or perform there frequently so why MTV any different?

    I chose my list by going by what MTV fans and music has catered to audience wise.

    • BEYSTAN_ SINCE 1997 August 10, 2016

      Beyonce has performed more times at the VMA’s than the BET awards in recent years. Not to mention she has the most nominations so she will more than likely attend since she is on a month long break from the “Formation Tour”.

    • Grande the Way August 10, 2016

      No shade but what has Gwen done to deserve a VMA spot over Rihanna?

      • KenyaInFormation August 10, 2016

        He choosing the white ones.

  14. Jay Jay August 10, 2016

    I would love for Rih to perform. Need me a goodnight Gotham intro, Work/Consideration medley and finish it with TIWYCF

    • Abel Minaj (Arianator Barb) August 10, 2016

      That Avi ??????

  15. Grande the Way August 10, 2016

    Replace 5H and Britney with Rihanna and Ariana and this line up is good. Britney performances are literally all the same: arm moving, hair whipping, posing, theatrics, and great camera work to hide the fact that she doesn’t dance anymore. I don’t know why she bothers to move her lips to the track at this point, it’s not fooling anyone.

    ,
    5H have literally been everywhere this year. I’m surprised people don’t complain about them being shoved down our throats like they do Rita Ora. There album still hasn’t passed 100k even with streams. Those girls aren’t happening, that spot shouldn’t be wasted on them.

    ,
    Rihanna, along with Drake and Beyonce, has been dominating this year. Ariana has being doing well and so has Sia. They should get her too.

    • LB August 10, 2016

      That was LA Reid’s biggest gamble, but third time’s the charm (if they’ll last that long).

      I hear their tour is struggling as well, I don’t know if they’ll last.

    • Datredd23 August 10, 2016

      Love this Hun ??

  16. Pat August 10, 2016

    Ugh. This generation is so non iconic sans beyonce

  17. Grande the Way August 10, 2016

    I’d also like to see more R&B and rock acts perform tbh

  18. Abel Minaj (Arianator Barb) August 10, 2016

    This year has been so boring musically. Beyonce and Ariana would be the only acts with music out that i would consider thinking about tuning in for

    • Mark111 /.\ August 10, 2016

      No one wants to see Doughnut Licker boring @ss on stage. The girl can sing, but the VMAs is all about shock and surprises. Nothing new with her looking like a 12 year old with that same ol ponytail “trying” to dance and act s3xy. Bye Fernandos.

  19. Abel Minaj (Arianator Barb) August 10, 2016

    Also, why does this site make my phone vibrate when I’m on mobile?

  20. LB August 10, 2016

    I hope Rihanna gets to perform another ballad, she did love on the brain justice at the BBMA, she could perform kiss it better live finally I guess.

    My other top pic is no other than Jennifer Lopez, she is simply untouched as the best female performer since Janet Jackson in her prime.

    • BEYSTAN_ SINCE 1997 August 10, 2016

      Girl bye

    • BEY>RIH August 10, 2016

      Jlo is not a better performer than Beyoncè or Lady Gaga. Beyoncè is the greatest performer of our generation. This has been established.

      • LB August 10, 2016

        I only speak facts, deal with it

      • BEYSTAN_ SINCE 1997 August 10, 2016

        J.lo is the 2nd best since Janet. Bey has vocals and loads of versatility as a perfrimer which gives her a slight advantage. Jenny is strong contender though

      • LB August 10, 2016

        J.Lo can perform different variations of routines, Yonce just repeats herself. Yonce cannot do what J.Lo can do on stage, she tried it all through out the early 00s and failed
        http://i.imgur.com/LgCX41N.jpg

      • Yeah I Said It August 10, 2016

        Performing is not just about dancing but wouldn’t expect a Rihanna fan to understand.

    • Gaga August 10, 2016

      LOL Did she say JLo. Girl that title goes to Beyonce, followed by my girl Gaga. I would even throw Pink into the equation.

  21. Black power August 10, 2016

    Rumor has it Gaga is going to be opening the VMAs performing her new single Choas Angel.. VMA Twitter account has even thrown out hints

  22. Ashley August 10, 2016

    Kelly Rowland

    • KellyRowlandArmy August 10, 2016

      Yaaasss her opening up the show with her new material would be everything !!!!

      Kelly been plotting her return for over a year.

  23. LB August 10, 2016

    EXCLUSIVE: Warner Bros has firmed an October start date in New York for Ocean’s Eight, the female-driven caper spinoff directed by Gary Ross, and the studio is closing with its principal cast. Aside from the previously identified Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett, deals are close with Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter, Mindy Kaling and Awkwafina. The latter is the hip hop moniker of Asian American rapper and actress Nora Lum, who most recently had a role in Neighbors 2.

    http://deadline.com/2016/08/oceans-eight-rihanna-anne-hathaway-sandra-bullock-cate-blanchett-awkwafina-helena-bonham-carter-mindy-kaling-1201801342/

    WHET!!!!!????? WINNING!!!!!!

    • Gaga August 10, 2016

      Rihanna’s in a movie with these amazing actresses, girl she is going to embarrass herself smh. If she won a Razie for a two min role, I can just imagine. Congrats though.

  24. Cough Cough August 10, 2016

    I love Beyonce but I mean at this point I don’t wan adds her perform because it’s just going to be a set from her “formation” tour. Not necessary, I’ve seen it. Britney sucks as a performer since 2005. Drake and performing don’t go in the same sentence. 5H I’ve never seen them live so I can’t really comment and Gaga has absolutely no new material we wanna hear.

    Your list is a snooze fest . The VMA’s used to actually be exciting , an EVENT and legendary. Not wits just relatively boring and predictive.

    • Cough Cough August 10, 2016

      Want to see her perform***

    • RihYonce August 10, 2016

      I doubt it she will more than likely do something from the album but she has this whole month free to prepare for a whole performance. I think she might even do new music or announce the joint album

      • Cough Cough August 10, 2016

        @rihyonce honey she is taking this month off to rest her vocals and body for her next leg, I doubt she will spend a whole month trying to revamp and redo. She needs her rest and time off

    • BEYSTAN_ SINCE 1997 August 10, 2016

      Beyonce has never performed (6 Inch, Love Drought, Pray you catch me, and a few others). While I feel what you’re saying it’s only makes since to perform the years most viewed, reviewed, and talked about videos of the year.

      • Cough Cough August 10, 2016

        @beystan: 6 inch heels, love drought and pray you catch me are all concert songs, if anything. Those are not mtv awards audience(except hardcore Beyonce STANS, not to be confused with fans) performance songs. But I understand what you’re saying. For me it would be pretty redundant though and not necessary unless she released a whole new song.

  25. RihYonce August 10, 2016

    Beyoncé of course !!

    I also think Usher, Drake, Bryson Tiller, Rihanna, Ariana , Chris Brown , Fifth Harmony, and Gaga (Return) would be a nice line up. Considering that they all have music out that would be an obvious line up.

    • RihYonce August 10, 2016

      Also Tinashe should do her new single.

  26. Anne August 10, 2016

    In a perfect world Beyoncé would perform “Hold Up” (assuming it’s really going to radio next week), release the video to Vevo, AND put the song on all streaming formats just to prove to the naysayers that her lack of top tens and/or number ones lately is strictly by choice and/or due to the fact that she does not care about singles’ chart positions anymore BUT could easily have another hit single if she chose to do so. But then again, I think deep down they already know that.

    • BEY>RIH August 10, 2016

      This is exactly what i was saying. Bey could easily slay global singles charts if she released traditionally. We all know she is going to continue to be petty though unfortunately.. ??

  27. Gaga August 10, 2016

    I’m here for Gaga and Beyoncé. I wouldn’t mind seeing Stiffknee perform though.

    • Gaga August 10, 2016

      Ariana as well. The girl can sing.

      • KellyRowlandArmy August 10, 2016

        Gaga
        Ariana
        Beyonce
        Kelly Rowland
        Britney ??

  28. BeyonceLegion August 10, 2016

    Beyonce
    Kelly Rowland
    Lady Gaga
    Drake
    Britney Spears

    The only 5 i want to see.

    Kelly can put on a damn good show and it would be a great way to start off her new era

    • The Infinite One August 10, 2016

      Kelly Rowland I love you honey but please get out of this post we know it’s you commenting! And take your home girl Ciara with you! I don’t wana see y’all until y’all are done smiling on the red carpet . Then you’ll have time and can FOCUS on blazeing the stage. Wtf these two always have something coming out except that fire music! ??? I’m tired of these ADHD singers!

      • Kellyonce August 10, 2016

        Oh b**** u tried it Kelly is a great performer and your acceptance isn’t required get lost h**.

      • BeyGood August 10, 2016

        Kelly is coming though….
        And is going to scalp

        As for Ciara girl can stay home

  29. KellyRowlandArmy August 10, 2016

    I want to see all of these performers on this.

    I also would LOVE to see Kelly Rowland open up the show with her new material and even announce her long awaited “Bigger and Better” tour shes been planning for the past year or so.

  30. The Great Lacefronce. August 10, 2016

    Beyonce is TIRED and WASHED no one wants to see her there all of her performances are the same and Lemonades songs will put everyone to sleep

    • KellyRowlandArmy August 10, 2016

      Dont cone for auntie Bey !!!
      She has u pressed i see

      #Rowlandstones ???

  31. FC/JC August 10, 2016

    Ciara needs to perform! Bye!

    • KellyRowlandArmy August 10, 2016

      Ciara anf Kelly Rowland

      Possible feat ?

  32. BeyGood August 10, 2016

    Beyonce Jlo and Kelly Rowland are the only 3 performers i want to see

    The rest ill be paying dust

  33. Kellyonce August 10, 2016

    Beyonce , Kelly Rowland , lady Gaga , Ariana ..

  34. Navy Girl August 10, 2016

    Rihanna !!!! I want to see her perform Kiss It Better Live

    I wouldnt mind seeing Kelly Rowland perform she slays and serves chocolate girl realness.

    Ciara is a chop from me

    Id live for JLo

    Beyfraudce would be great to see or whatever

    • BEY>RIH August 10, 2016

      Rihanna will butcher the song.

  35. TLamar August 10, 2016

    FYI: Beyonce doesn’t need to perform at a tired awards show. She turn heads just by attending! If anything she will do the show justice! TRUST! They need her in attendance for the views!

    • Navy Girl August 10, 2016

      If her album isnt diamond then she needs the promo sis ??

      Yall give her way too much

      • BEY>RIH August 10, 2016

        Yall give frih way too much. Her album is just now selling 500k after 7 months and she can’t even sell out 11k arenas in the U.S. Like… Why are you here bítch!?

  36. RIP August 10, 2016

    That’s how messed up this generation is…There aren’t any icons who debuted after 2005 and that’s a real shame,sans Gaga,Katy and Drake.
    Ive seen choirs and gospel artist who put on better shows than JLO,the very nerve to even mention her is idiotic and obsurd.Being able to just dance doesn’t make you a great performer,especially sounding like that.
    I agree with TGJ’S list minus 5th Harmony.5th Harmony is for children who don’t know or weren’t around to know that they deserve better.These 25+ year olds stanning for them is beyond reason.

    • Navy Girl August 10, 2016

      Oop !!! Say that again !!

  37. UR August 10, 2016

    Usher!!!!!

  38. bad August 10, 2016

    jlo all the way ..taj and his stupid list

  39. Theman August 10, 2016

    Tired of Beyonce. Nothing she does is new nor fresh. Everything is always similar. Adele, Justin, LG, Britney & a few r&b performers would be great. A performance by Pink would be incredible. She’s the best artistic female performer bar none.

    • BEY>RIH August 10, 2016

      How can you diss the greatest performer of our time and turn around and say you’re excited for a britknee and adele performance. And P!nk dÿkeass swinging on tightropes every award show is not new or refreshing. She literally puts on the same show.. TAKE A SEAT!!
      #bítchyoutriedit

  40. King B August 10, 2016

    Beyoncé!

  41. Bee August 10, 2016

    Why is everyone saying Kelly Rowland? Did I miss something is she schedule to perform I’m confuse

  42. Y’all Poor AF August 11, 2016

    Beyonce is very repetitive when it comes to performing. I don’t want to see JLo. Britney and Gaga would be nice, so would Katy. Don’t care for 5H. For the men, Drake, Bieber and Kanye will definitely perform. Adele may perform, so may Taylor, this is usually when she drops new music before an album in October/November. If In Common was popping, I could see Alicia performing as well

  43. ow Reddish tran ivy blobukz Need UK timely Ukuyiji August 11, 2016

    Nice and want to see everyone performance

  44. Norris Kerntke August 25, 2016

    Do you regularly consume grape juice and do you know what actually are the benefits of this delicious drink?

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