The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards have arrived. In the words of this year’s top nominee, VMAs veteran Taylor Swift, “Are you ready for it?”
On Tuesday, silver statues of MTV moon people will be ripe for the picking by a handful of today’s top musicians. The annual ceremony will return to New Jersey for the second year in a row for what’s sure to be a night of bold performances, moving acceptance speeches and vital viral moments.
“Celebrating one of our biggest nights in music with the Garden State’s incredible fans has been our goal since last year’s highly successful event,” Bruce Gillmer, president of music talent at Paramount, said in a statement.
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Leading up to this year’s awards show, MTV unveiled the honorees and artists who are set to take the stage. Here’s everything we know so far.
Where is the show and how can I watch?
Bad Bunny made VMAs history last year as the first non-English-language performer to win artist of the year.
(Charles Sykes / Invision/Associated Press)
The MTV Video Music Awards return Sept. 12 to the Prudential Center for the second consecutive year. This year’s show marks the VMAs’ third time at the Newark, N.J., venue.
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The VMAs will air at 8 p.m. Pacific on MTV after being broadcast live on the East Coast. Viewers also can stream the show on Paramount+.
The preshow, hosted by Saweetie, Nessa, Dometi Pongo and Kevan Kenney, is at 3:30 p.m. Pacific on MTV, MTV2, CMT and Logo. The preshow festivities will include performances by NLE Choppa and Sabrina Carpenter.
Who’s hosting?
Nicki Minaj will return to host and perform at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 12.
(Charles Sykes / Invision/Associated Press)
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Nicki Minaj is returning to the MTV Video Music Awards spotlight this year, pulling double duty as a host and performer, MTV announced Friday.
The “Super Freaky Girl,” who received five nominations, co-hosted the 2022 ceremony with LL Cool J and Jack Harlow. Previous hosts have included Katy Perry, Jack Black, Doja Cat and the show’s inaugural presenters, Bette Midler and Dan Aykroyd.
Who’s nominated?
SZA received six nominations for the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.
(Annie Noelker / For The Times)
This year, women dominated the top VMA categories — video of the year and artist of the year. Swift and SZA, who are both up for the night’s top prize, earned eight and six nominations, respectively.
With five nominations apiece, Doja Cat, Kim Petras, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Olivia Rodrigo and Sam Smith follow.
Additional nominees include Ice Spice, Peso Pluma, Lana Del Rey, Kendrick Lamar, Karol G and Blackpink.
Shakira received four nominations and will walk away with the night’s coveted Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. She joins an elite club of VMAs honorees including Minaj, Britney Spears, Missy Elliott, Kanye West, Madonna and Jennifer Lopez, who all received the Vanguard prize in previous years.
Sean “Diddy” Combs, who also got four nominations, will receive the night’s Global Icon Award. The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Foo Fighters were the most recent honorees.
Who’s performing?
Karol G is set to perform at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.
(Rob Grabowski / Invision/Associated Press)
Tuesday’s ceremony will feature a range of artists taking the stage — from first-time VMA nominees to MTV veterans receiving lifetime achievement honors. Here’s who viewers can expect to see:
- Shakira
- Sean “Diddy” Combs
- Demi Lovato
- Karol G
- Måneskin
- Stray Kids
- Lil Wayne
- Anitta
- Doja Cat
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Tomorrow x Together
- Olivia Rodrigo
- Nicki Minaj
- Fall Out Boy
- Peso Pluma
- Metro Boomin with guests Future, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Swae Lee and NAV
- Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion
Tuesday’s show also will feature a finale performance celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Doug E. Fresh, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, and LL Cool J will join the mix with Lil Wayne and Minaj.
Who are the presenters?
Ice Spice will be among the performers at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards
(Scott Garfitt / Invision/Associated Press)
MTV announced that its lineup of presenters will be a mix of musicians, social media personalities and Hollywood stars. Here’s a list of who is set to hand out those shiny moon people or presenting memorable performances:
- Bebe Rexha
- Charli D’Amelio
- Coco Jones
- Dixie D’Amelio,
- Emily Ratajkowski
- French Montana
- GloRilla
- Ice Spice
- Jared Leto
- Madelyn Cline
- Rita Ora
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Boogie Wit da Hoodie
- Anuel AA
- Ashanti
- Billy Porter
- Chloe Bailey
- Dove Cameron
- Fat Joe
- Halle Bailey
- Nelly Furtado
- Reneé Rapp
- Saweetie
- Shenseea
- Thalia
- Tiffany Haddish
- Timbaland
- Wyclef Jean
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How can I vote?
MTV’s VMA website closed voting Tuesday on all categories except best new artist.
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