Performers (L-R) T.I., Beyonce Knowles and Justin Timberlake talk during the nominations news conference for the MTV Video Music Awards in New York, July 31, 2006. Latin pop star Shakira and funk-rock band the Red Hot Chili Peppers led the field with seven nominations for next month's MTV Video Music Awards that will be held August 31 in New York. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid (UNITED STATES)