MTV Video Music Awards 2016: Rihanna Follows Beyonce's Footsteps; Will Receive Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award

The MTV Video Music Awards 2016 has already announced its first honoree and it is for Rihanna who will be the recipient of the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Rihanna, who along with Eminem, is considered a music video icon, previously receiving two Video of the Year trophies.

The MTV Video Music Award 2016 Video Vanguard awardee announced the news on Twitter, Billboard reported. "Honored to take the #VMAs stage as your video #VANGUARD award recipient LIVE from NYC on August 28!" she wrote on her official account.

Rihanna has never been one to shy away from creating controversy in her artsy videos. Part of why she was awarded as the Video Vanguard Award recipient for the MTV Video Music Awards 2016 is because of her fearless videos. In 2015, her music video for the song "B***h Better Have My Money" was criticized for allegedly advocating violence while 2011's "We Found Love" had its own share of negative reactions for its provocative depiction of abusive relationships and drug addiction.

Apart from the Video Vanguard Award trophy, Rihanna is also nominated in the MTV Video Music Awards 2016 in four competitive categories. She is also expected to perform a new single in the MTV Video Music Awards 2016 ceremony. She already has three career VMAs.

According to The Ringer, MTV Video Music Awards 2016 top nominees Beyonce and Adele are expected to dominate the night with their respective clips "Formation" and "Hello." Due to being critical darlings, the two stars might divide the vote, however, and might deliver a trophy for Justin Bieber.

The MTV Video Music Awards 2016 will be held on Sunday, August 28, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The MTV Video Music Awards 2016 will also be aired live on MTV on the same date at 9 pm ET. What do you think of this latest MTV Video Music Awards 2016 news? Does Rihanna deserve the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award? Who between Beyonce and Adele will dominate? Share your thoughts in the comments. Meanwhile, watch Rihanna's Video of the Year-winning video for "We Found Love" below.