August 24, 2005

R.Kelly Heading To Miami For VMA Performance

By Jennifer Vineyard (MTV.com)

The lineup for this year's MTV Video Music Awards just got a little bigger, and a lot more controversial. R. Kelly is no longer trapped in the closet - he's heading to Miami for his debut VMA performance, the channel announced Tuesday.

The R&B singer - who's hit a new stride with his soap operatic "Trapped in the Closet" series - is joining previously announced performers 50 Cent, Coldplay, Ludacris, Shakira, Mariah Carey, the Killers, Green Day, Kelly Clarkson and Kanye West.

Kelly is not only one of the more popular acts gracing the stage at Sunday's event, he may be the only one who has to seek permission from a judge to be there. The singer faces child-pornography charges in his home state of Illinois for a case that's been in the pretrial process for over three years. Kelly is due back in court on September 2.

So what do you think? Are you excited to see R. Kelly at this year's VMAs, or do you think the charges against him should keep him off the stage? You Tell Us.