Beside Lady Gaga’s gender-bending role-play and Justin Bieber’s possibly alcohol-fueled religious ramblings, there was one other scandal at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards—the battle for Best New Artist. In an unexpected upset, the fan-voted award didn’t go to rap superstar Wiz Khalifa—the favorite by far, anchored by a platinum-selling album and world-spanning arena tour. Also leaving empty-handed were breakout success stories Big Sean, Kreayshawn, and Foster the People.
