Britain has produced two of the hottest boy bands on the current pop landscape. But only one of them can aspire to glory as the The Wanted and One Direction shape up to do battle at this year's MTV Video Music Awards. Both sets of lads got the nod for Best New Artist and the boys' respective hordes of adoring female fans will rush to convert their affections into votes, making for a thrilling race on the night.
While the air in LA's Staples Centre will be charged with testosterone–fuelled competiveness, there will also be some solidarity – both sets of boys are making their debut at the coveted event. It caps an amazing year for One Direction – who are Louis Tomlinson, 20, Zayn Malik, 19, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Liam Payne, all 18. After finishing third on X Factor in 2010, they have gone on to top the US album charts and have established an impressive international fan base. And The Wanted have more than matched their success after spending 17 weeks at number one in 2011 with their mega hit, All Time Low.
Also sharing the limelight will be some of music's more established names. Songstresses Alicia Keys, Taylor Swift and Pink will be representing the girls. Alicia will perform her blistering new single Girl On Fire, which features rapper Nicki Minaj. And all eyes will be on Taylor to see if she brings along her current squeeze Connor Kennedy – a young member of America's political dynasty. There are rumours that former couple – Rhianna and Chris Brown – will reunite for the first time on stage at the live show. Comedian Kevin Hart is in charge of presenting Thursday's musical extravaganza.
