MTV Video Music Awards Schedule: Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, and One Direction Performances

With Thursday's 2012 MTV Video Music Awards fast approaching, the lineup of incredible musical performances keeps getting more and more awesome. Kevin Hart is hosting the evening's events and will surely provide the laughs in between the incredible musical guests. 

The show is set to open with Rihanna performing on stage with A$AP Rocky for a remix of her hit "Talk That Talk" and the Rocky song "Cockiness." After that, viewers can be ready for a rendition of Rihanna's smah "We Found Love." 

Nicki Minaj will also be taking the stage with an un-named "secret guest" and 2 Chainz. After an incredibly closing performance at the 2011 VMAs, Lil Wayne will come on stage to debut his single "No Worries" from his new album Dedication 4. 

Other performances will be given by One Direction, Green Day, Taylor Swift, Frank Ocean, and P!nk. 

The ceremony's first award will be presented by Katy Perry and pre-show performer Demi Lovato will be in the house as well. 

Presenters include The Wanted, Rashida Jones, Ke$ha, Miley Cyrus, Andy Samberg, Mac Miller, the 2012 U.S. Women's Gymnastics Team and Mac Miller and the "Fierce Five."  

One icon who will not be in attendance is Justin Bieber who will be in New York for Fashion's Night Out. 

Thursday nights VMAs will feature performances by: 

Rihanna

The 2012 MTV Video Music Awards are set to go live from Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET/PT.