The hour is fast approaching for MTV VMAs to air worldwide from the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. The show is set for tonight at 8 p.m. ET on MTV and will also be available on affiliated brands like BET, BET Her, CMT, CC, Logo, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land and VH1.
MTV moved the VMAs back from its original date to today when the first debate of the election cycle between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was confirmed for yesterday, September 1oth.
Hosting is “Hot Girl Summer” icon Megan Thee Stallion, doubling as emcee and nominee. When Megan is busy performing, a number of other celebrities have her covered, this year’s presenters are Addison Rae, Alessandra Ambrosio, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Big Sean, Busta Rhymes, Carson Daly, Cyndi Lauper, Måneskin’s Damiano David, DANNA, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Flavor Flav, French Montana, Halle Bailey, Jordan Chiles, Lil Nas X, Miranda Lambert, Naomi Scott, Paris Hilton, Suki Waterhouse, Thalía and Tinashe.
Nessa, Dometi Pongo and Kevan Kenney will host the pre-show which features a special performance by LE SSERAFIM. MTV says fans can look forward to “epic tributes and unforgettable appearances from the world’s biggest celebrities to celebrate the best music videos of the past year.”
Following last year’s trend, Taylor Swift leads with 10 nominations. She could become the first artist to win the video of the year category five times. Another to follow tradition is Brazilian artist Anitta, contending for her third “Best Latin” win in a row. With his return to the VMAs last year after 25 years, LL Cool J is back with new music from his upcoming album “The Force.”
Katy Perry is performing on MTV for the first time since 2017 to receive the MTV Video Vanguard Award. Shawn Mendez will be performing a song from his fifth studio album prior to its release. Opening the show tonight is Eminem, who is tied with Peter Gabriel for most wins in VMA history.
Also among the performers are Ariana Grande, Benson Boone, Camila Cabello, Chappell Roan, GloRilla, Halsey, Karol G., Lenny Kravitz, LISA, Olivia Rodrigo, Post Malone, Rauw Alejandro and Sabrina Carpenter.
Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” from his debut album “Fireworks and Rollerblades” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Chappell Roan, Gracie Abrams and Tyla are finalists for the Best New Artist award. From last year’s pre-show to this year’s main stage is pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter.
LISA, who became the first solo female K-Pop artist to win a VMA award in 2022, makes her debut as a solo artist performing Billboard chart topper “Rockstar” and recent release “New Woman” featuring Rosalía. After over 25 years, Lenny Kravitz is bringing his sound of rock, funk and soul back to the VMAs. He is a nominee for best rock with his single from earlier this year, “Human.”
The first time nominees are as follows: Alexander Stewart Abrams, Benson Boone, Burna Boy, Chappell Roan, Coco Jones, Flyana Boss, Gracie, Gunna, Jelly Roll, Jessie Murph, Joyner Lucas, Laufey, LE SSERAFIM, Lojay, Morgan Wallen, Myke Towers, NCT Dream, Pheelz, Playboi Carti, Rauw Alejandro, RAYE, Sabrina Carpenter, Sexxy Red, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims, Tyla, Tyler Childers and The Warning, and Victoria Monét.
On the Extended Play Stage are are up-and-coming artists Jessie Murph and Teddy Swims. The former is turning only 20 in two weeks, and quickly climbed the ranks with a combination of pop, country and rock. The latter is an Alternative/Indie artist whose song “Lose Control” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Setups and sound checks are being done as celebrities get ready, the air is buzzing with anticipation! Tonight’s show is sure to have some surprises in store.
