It will be the first time the annual awards show is held in the northeastern state, after going back to its roots last year in New York City. This year’s VMAs will take place on Monday, Aug. 26, at the Prudential Center in Newark.
Who’s hosting?
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The network announced their decision in June, saying they have faith Maniscalco will make it an “unforgettable” night.
Who’s nominated?
Leading the nominations areAriana GrandeandTaylor Swiftwho are tied for the most nominations this year with a whopping 10 apiece, each in categories including video of the year, song of the year and best pop.
NewcomersBillie EilishandLil Nas Xare close behind, with nine and eight nods respectively, and both will go head to head in the best new artist category. Halsey,Cardi B, Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello also earned a host of nominations.
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The night’s biggest category is video of the year. It’s a tough race between 21 Savage ft. J. Cole (for “a lot”), Billie Eilish (for “Bad Guy”),Ariana Grande(for “thank u, next”), the Jonas Brothers (for “Sucker”), Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus (for “Old Town Road(Remix)”), andTaylor Swift(for “You Need to Calm Down”).
For a full list of nominees,click here.
Who’s performing?
Taking the stage at the annual awards show will be a bevy of artists across genres.
One of the top nominated artists will be performing for the big night — andopening the show! It’ll be theTaylor Swift’s first major televised performance following the release of her highly anticipated album,Lover(out Aug. 23).
“I’m opening the show, so that’s exciting! I don’t know if I was supposed to say that actually, but I’ve done it now, so can’t take it back,” she told Robin Roberts onGood Morning America.
Kevin Mazur/Getty; Neilson Barnard/Getty; Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty
Swift last appeared on the VMA stage back in 2015, performing her song “Bad Blood” — which took home the coveted video of the year trophy then, too.
Joining her areBad Bunny, J Balvin,Lil Nas X,Lizzo, Rosalía, A$AP Ferg, Big Sean, H.E.R., Normani and Ozuna.
Camilla Cabello
In addition,Camila CabelloandShawn Mendeswill be taking their romance to the stage and willperform togetherfor the first time. Cabello took home “Artist of the Year” and “Video of the Year” at the 2018 VMAs, and earlier this year released a hot new single with Mendes (“Señorita”).
Also hitting the VMAs stage will be the Jonas Brothers. Nick, Joe andKevin Jonas, who released their albumHappiness Beginsin June, are set to perform for the first time in over a decade.
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Lil Nas X’s performance is highly anticipated following the news that his record-breaking song, “Old Town Road (Remix)” has become the longest-running No. 1 one single on the Billboard Hot 100.
In her first post-split public appearance,Miley Cyrushas been added to the lineup to perform her new single, “Slide Away.”
Who’s presenting?
US Women’s National Soccer Team members Alex Morgan, Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris will be presenting, along withBebe Rexha, Billy Ray Cyrus,French Montana, Hailee Steinfeld, Ice-T,John Travolta,Queer Eye‘s Jonathan Van Ness, Keke Palmer andLenny Kravitz.
Other stars who will serve as presenters includenewly engaged Lindsey Vonnand P.K. Subban, Megan Thee Stallion,Rick Ross, Salt-N-Pepa and Victor Cruz.TheSopranosstars Drea De Matteo, Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Vincent Pastore will reunite to present as well.
Lindsey Vonn and P.K. Subban.GP Images/Getty
When does it all start?
Is there a preshow?
There is! PEOPLE will be livestreaming from the red carpet, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET.
source: people.com
