U.S. pop star Katy Perry has hit back at reports she considered cancelling her performance at the forthcoming MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) after network bosses refused to book her as the opening act.

The I Kissed a Girl hitmaker has been nominated for multiple awards at the event on Sunday after the racy tune propelled her to stardom.

But according to the New York Post, she was heard "complaining that she wasn't asked to open at the VMAs because her song is too provocative".

A spokesperson for the singer has hit back at the reports, adding Perry was "overheard incorrectly" and will be performing at the show, though not as its opening act.