2016 MTV Video Music Awards: Was Taylor Swift snubbed?

On Tuesday (July 26), MTV announced the nominees for the upcoming 2016 Video Music Awards, and one very popular name was noticeably shut out in every category: Taylor Swift. How in the world is the biggest name in pop music, ruler of the lady squad, fake girlfriend of Tom Hiddleston and Kimye’s ultimate power rival not up for at least one award?

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The answer is simple, actually. And it has nothing to do with the audio recording Kim Kardashian leaked on Snapchat. To be considered for a 2016 Video Music Award a music video needed to be released by December, 2015. Swift’s smash hit “1989” album was released in 2014 and it was showered with praise at the 2015 VMAs — receiving a whopping 10 nominations and taking home four total wins.

However, MTV could’ve recognized Swift for her Joseph Khan directed “Out of the Woods” music video. It wasn’t released until December of last year … and yet the collaboration received no love.

It feels like MTV would take advantage of any opportunity to lock down Swift’s presence at the 33rd annual awards ceremony. Yet, just one look at this year’s Video of the Year nominees and it’s understandable as to why Swift couldn’t be shuffled into the mix. “Out of the Woods” just doesn’t hold a candle to the competition.

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Those up for the night’s biggest prize include: Adele’s “Hello,” Beyonce’s “Formation,” Drake’s, “Hotline Bling,” Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” and Kanye West’s “Famous.” That is one stacked category and given her mention in that Kanye track, it’s anyone’s guess how the night’s drama will unfold.

While Swift also missed out on a Best Collaboration nom, her ex-boyfirend Calvin Harris earned one for his work with Rihanna for “This is What You Came For.” He got another nod for Best Male Video with “How Deep is Your Love.”

RELATED: Calvin Harris accuses Taylor Swift of trying to ‘bury’ him like Katy Perry; Perry responds

For the full list of the 2016 VMA nominations, click here. The 33rd annual MTV Video Music Awards airs live from New York City on Sunday, August 28, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.

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