The VMAs announced their nominations on Tuesday to plenty of fanfare and controversy. Most of the focus was on the "Best Artist" award, but there was some intrigue with the "Best New Artist" award as well, a category that highlights some of the freshest faces in the music business. One of the nominees for the award this year is Noah Cyrus, who may be new to the scene, but has a familiar face and an even more recognizable last name.

Cyrus receives her VMAs nomination

Cyrus is just 17 years old, but she's already making waves in the music business. She has had some obvious help in father Billy Ray Cyrus and sister Miley Cyrus, but she was still determined to make her own way. This nomination likely validates that journey for her. When the VMA announcements were made, she and her family took to Twitter to celebrate the "Best New Artist" nomination.

Cyrus earned the "Best New Artist" nomination from the VMAs with one song. "Make Me (Cry)" features British record producer Labrinth. The song peaked at No. 46 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it has been certified as platinum by the RIAA.

Since that was released on November 15, there have been several other singles, with none experiencing the same commercial success. Additionally, the debut album from Cyrus, entitled "NC-17," has yet to be released - she better hurry since the initial-age combination will only be accurate for another four months.

Competition for "Best New Artist"

Cyrus will face plenty of competition for "Best New Artist" at the VMAs. The most similar name is Julia Michaels, who has also had one massive hit ("Issues") and not much else to speak of so far. Another female nominee is Young M.A, a rapper best known for her hit "OOOUUU," which went double platinum and reached No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. SZA has been percolating behind the scenes with her R&B music for some time, but her debut album "Ctrl" - released just last month - has shot her into superstardom.

There are two male nominees for "Best New Artist" as well. The first is Khalid, a R&B singer whose hit "Location" is receiving a lot of airplay right now. There's also controversial rapper Kodak Black, who may be better known for his jail time than for his biggest hit, "Tunnel Vision." Both artists released their debut studio albums in March. Noah Cyrus and the other "Best New Artist" nominees will learn if they are chose as the winner when the VMAs air live on MTV on Sunday, August 27.