2023 VMAs: How to watch, who are the performers, presenters

Shakira in a bedazzled, red fringe top and skirt performing on a stage surrounded by fans

Published Aug. 24, 2023 Updated Sept. 12, 2023 1:41 PM PT

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.

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 is seen accepting an award in an image projected on a screen

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.

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 in a hot pink gown speaks into a microphone and holds a silver trophy in the shape of a man in a moonsuit

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 poses in front of a sparkling dark background wearing a colorful jersey

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?

A woman in a black top and brown plaid skirt holds a microphone and extends her hand onstage

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: