Pop star Britney Spears is the first nominee announced for this year’s 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, getting the nod for her hit single “Piece of Me.” The video was chosen by MTV viewers who selected Spears, along with three other top female artists, to represent the Best Female Video category through an online vote at vma.mtv.com. Rumors continue to circulate about whether the paparazzi favorite will perform live at the awards show, but MTV has yet to confirm or deny. The remaining Best Female Video as well as Best Male Video nominees will be announced at 8pm ET/PT Friday, July 25 on FN’MTV Premieres, the network’s new music video series hosted by Pete Wentz.

For the next 4-weeks, fans can cast their vote at vma.mtv.com for VMA categories including Best Hip Hop Video, Best Pop Video, Best Rock Video, Best New Artist, Video of the Year, and more.

The 2008 MTV Video Music Awards will air live from Paramount Pictures Studios in Los Angeles on September 7, 2008 and will be hosted by British comedian Russell Brand.