Pop princess Ariana Grande will open the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards. She had two addition performances scheduled for the live broadcast prior to the announcement.
"This just in! @ArianaGrande is opening the #VMAs next weekend. Thanks for that letter, Big Brother. Can't wait," HollywoodLife tweeted on Aug. 17.
MTV already scheduled Grande to take the VMAs' main stage to sing her new single "Break Free" and join Jessie J and Nicki Minaj to perform their song "Bang Bang." The double feature is a big step up for Grande after only performing a pre-show medley before last year's ceremony.
Grande received three VMA nominations all for her song Problem. She and collaborator Iggy Azalea will vie for Best Female Video, Best Pop Video and Best Collaboration awards. They face stiff competition in each category, including Beyonce, Eminem and Rihanna and Azalea herself for her song "Fancy" with Charli XCX.
Time will tell if Grande's two performances can erase the memory of another female pop star's raunchy and scandalous performance last year. The 2013 MTV VMAs became infamous for Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke's cringe-worthy performance.
MTV did not ask Cyrus or Thicke back this year, but the Wrecking Ball singer did receive nominations for Video of the Year and Best Direction.
Other announced performers include Beyonce, Usher, 5 Seconds of Summer, Rita Ora and Azalea. Maroon 5 will make their debut performance and Taylor Swift will take the stage at The Forum in Los Angeles for the fourth time.
The MTV VMAs will air on Sunday, Aug. 24 at 9 p.m.
