Entertainment

Ed Sheeran nominated for VMA artist of the year

Kendrick Lamar leads the way with eight nominations.
Kendrick Lamar leads the way with eight nominations. Kendrick Lamar leads the way with eight nominations.

Ed Sheeran will compete with artists including Kendrick Lamar and Ariana Grande for the artist of the year title at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards.

The singer-songwriter is also nominated against Bruno Mars, The Weeknd and Lorde for the prize which replaces the former best female and best male categories.

Sheeran’s Shape Of You is also up for best pop song while his video for Castle On The Hill earns a nod for best cinematography.

Ed Sheeran.
Ed Sheeran.
Ed Sheeran (Yui Mok/PA)

Lamar leads the way with the most nominations, notching up eight including video of the year and best hip hop for hit track Humble.

Katy Perry and The Weeknd are behind the rapper with five nominations, while Mars is up for four.

Lamar’s other nominations include best direction, art direction, choreography, cinematography and visual effects.

Other acts who scored nominations include the Chainsmokers, Migos, Harry Styles, Selena Gomez, Fifth Harmony and Big Sean.

The VMAs will air August 27 from the Forum in Inglewood, California.