Buckle up, because the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) is all set to be a show-stopping affair you won’t want to miss! From jaw-dropping red carpet entrances to can’t-look-away performances, the VMAs never disappoint. So why not get comfy and prepare for an evening where music, glamour, and pop culture create an electrifying blend?
Where to Catch the VMAs
The big show will air on MTV on September 12, 2023, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. For digital natives, it will also be available via live stream on MTV.com and Paramount+. Plus, you have the added option of tuning into BET, BET Her, VH1, Comedy Central, CMT, Logo, MTV2, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Network—so you won’t miss a beat!
The Host with the Most: Nicki Minaj
You read it right! The “Barbie World” sensation Nicki Minaj is set to host this year’s VMAs. Known for her energy and dynamic stage presence, Minaj is sure to bring a distinctive flair to an already hyped event.
Star Power Overload: Performers and Presenters
The stage is going to be on fire with a variety of acts, blending well-established names with fresh faces. Presenters for the evening range from Jared Leto—yes, the upcoming Tron:Ares star—to social media sensation Charli D’Amelio, Rita Ora, and French Montana.
Performing live will be a medley of talents like Cardi B, Demi Lovato, Doja Cat, and even Diddy, who is set to receive the Global Icon Award. Also gracing the stage will be Shakira, Olivia Rodrigo, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Wayne, and much more. The star wattage promises an unforgettable night filled with eclectic performances.
Nominees That Have Us Talking
Artist of the Year: Beyoncé, Doja Cat, and More
The competition is tight with big names like Beyoncé, Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj, and Shakira competing for the coveted Artist of the Year award.
Video of the Year: All Eyes on “Attention” and “Flowers”
With nominees like Doja Cat’s “Attention” and Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers,” you’re in for some visual treats this year.
New and Noteworthy
GloRilla and Ice Spice, among others, are nominated for the Best New Artist, while hits like Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers” and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire” are vying for Song of the Year.
Best New Artist
GloRilla
Ice Spice
Kaliii
Peso Pluma
PinkPantheress
Reneé Rapp
Video of the Year
Doja Cat – Attention
Miley Cyrus – Flowers
Nicki Minaj – Super Freaky Girl
Olivia Rodrigo – Vampire
Sam Smith & Kim Petras – Unholy
SZA – Kill Bill
Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
Artist of the Year
Beyoncé
Doja Cat
Karol G
Nicki Minaj
Shakira
Taylor Swift
Song of the Year
Miley Cyrus – Flowers
Olivia Rodrigo – Vampire
Rema & Selena Gomez – Calm Down
Sam Smith & Kim Petras – Unholy
Steve Lacy – Bad Habit
SZA – Kill Bill
Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
Push Performance of the Year
August 2022: Saucy Santana – Booty
September 2022: Stephen Sanchez – Until I Found You
October 2022: Jvke – Golden Hour
November 2022: Flo Milli – Conceited
December 2022: Reneé Rapp – Colorado
January 2023: Sam Ryder – All the Way Over
February 2023: Armani White – Goated
March 2023: Fletcher – Becky’s So Hot
April 2023: Tomorrow X Together – Sugar Rush Ride
May 2023: Ice Spice – Princess Diana
June 2023: Flo – Losing You
July 2023: Lauren Spencer Smith – That Part
Best Collaboration
David Guetta & Bebe Rexha – I’m Good (Blue)
Post Malone & Doja Cat – I Like You (A Happier Song)
Diddy Featuring Bryson Tiller, Ashanti & Yung Miami – Gotta Move On
Karol G & Shakira – TQG
Metro Boomin Featuring The Weeknd, 21 Savage and Diddy – Creepin’ (Remix)
Rema & Selena Gomez – Calm Down
Best Pop
Demi Lovato – Swine
Dua Lipa – Dance the Night
Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed
Miley Cyrus – Flowers
Olivia Rodrigo – Vampire
P!nk – Trustfall
Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
Best Hip-Hop
Diddy Featuring Bryson Tiller, Ashanti & Yung Miami – Gotta Move On
DJ Khaled Featuring Drake & Lil Baby – Staying Alive
Glorilla & Cardi B – Tomorrow 2
Lil Uzi Vert – Just Wanna Rock
Lil Wayne Featuring Swizz Beatz & DMX – Kant Nobody
Metro Boomin Featuring Future – Superhero (Heroes and Villains)
Nicki Minaj – Super Freaky Girl
Best R&B
Alicia Keys Featuring Lucky Daye – Stay
Chlöe Featuring Chris Brown – How Does It Feel
Metro Boomin Featuring The Weeknd, 21 Savage & Diddy – Creepin’ (Remix)
SZA – Shirt
Toosii – Favorite Song
Yung Bleu & Nicki Minaj – Love in the Way
Best Alternative
Blink-182 – Edging
Boygenius – The Film
Fall Out Boy – Hold Me Like a Grudge
Lana Del Rey Featuring Jon Batiste – Candy Necklace
Paramore – This Is Why
Thirty Seconds to Mars – Stuck
Best Rock
Foo Fighters – The Teacher
Linkin Park – Lost (Original Version)
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Tippa My Tongue
Måneskin – The Loneliest
Metallica – Lux Æterna
Muse – You Make Me Feel Like It’s Halloween
Best Latin
Anitta – Funk Rave
Bad Bunny – Where She Goes
Eslabon Armado & Peso Pluma – Ella Baila Sola
Grupo Frontera & Bad Bunny – Un X100to
Karol G & Shakira – TQG
Rosalía – Despechá
Shakira – Acróstico
Best K-Pop
Aespa – Girls
Blackpink – Pink Venom
Fiffty Fifty – Cupid
Seventeen – Super
Stray Kids – S-Class
Tomorrow X Together – Sugar Rush Ride
Best Afrobeats
Ayra Starr – Rush
Burna Boy – It’s Plenty
Davido ft. Musa Keys – Unavailable
Fireboy DML & Asake – Bandana
Libianca – People
Rema & Selena Gomez – Calm Down
Wizkid Featuring Ayra Starr – 2 Sugar
Video for Good
Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You (Orchestral)
Bad Bunny – El Apagón – Aquí Vive Gente
Demi Lovato – Swine
Dove Cameron – Breakfast
Imagine Dragons – “Crushed
Maluma – La Reina
Best Direction
Doja Cat – Attention
Drake – Falling Back
Kendrick Lamar – Count Me Out
Megan Thee Stallion – Her
Sam Smith & Kim Petras – Unholy
SZA – Kill Bill
Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
Best Cinematography
Adele – I Drink Wine
Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed
Janelle Monáe – Lipstick Lover
Kendrick Lamar – Count Me Out
Miley Cyrus – Flowers
Olivia Rodrigo – Vampire
Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
Best Visual Effects
Fall Out Boy – Love From the Other Side
Harry Styles – Music for a Sushi Restaurant
Melanie Martinez – Void
Nicki Minaj – Super Freaky Girl
Sam Smith & Kim Petras – Unholy
Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
Best Choreography
Blackpink – Pink Venom
Dua Lipa – Dance the Night
Jonas Brothers – Waffle House
Megan Thee Stallion – Her
Panic! at the Disco – Middle of a Breakup
Sam Smith & Kim Petras – Unholy
Best Art Direction
Boygenius – The Film
Blackpink – Pink Venom
Doja Cat – Attention
Lana Del Rey Featuring Jon Batiste – Candy Necklace
Megan Thee Stallion – Her
SZA – Shirt
Best Editing
Blackpink – Pink Venom
Kendrick Lamar – Rich Spirit
Miley Cyrus – River
Olivia Rodrigo – Vampire
SZA – Kill Bill
Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
The Icons Return
After more than a 15-year hiatus from the MTV VMAs stage, both Shakira and Sean “Diddy” Combs are set to receive prestigious awards—the Video Vanguard Award and the Global Icon Award, respectively. Their return performances are one of the most anticipated moments of the night.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in it for the fashion, the drama, or the unforgettable performances, the 2023 MTV VMAs is the event that truly has it all. With a mix of old-school nostalgia and the latest chart-toppers, this year’s show promises to be a music lover’s paradise. So, mark your calendar and get ready for a night of music and mayhem!
