Hip-Hop is back on top as Video Vanguard Award recipients LL COOL J and Nicki Minaj, along with rap superstar Jack Harlow are set to emcee and introduce the biggest moments of the night when the 2022 “VMAs” air LIVE from Prudential Center on Sunday, August 28 @ 8PM ET/PT.
The three “MCs” will announce the show’s star-studded lineup of performers, presenters, and winners, taking a more innovative and unique approach to the traditional “host” gig seen in previous years.
LL COOL J
A 3x VMAs nominee, who won for “Best Rap Video” in 1991 for “Mama Said Knock You Out,” LL COOL J was a recipient of the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award in 1997. The rapper, songwriter, and actor first performed at the “VMAs” in 1991, and again performed in 1996. He last appeared as a presenter in 2000.
Nicki Minaj
The 17x nominated, 5x “VMAs” winner is set to perform for the first time since 2018. She took home her first Moon Person for “Best Hip Hop Video” in 2011 and is nominated in the same category this year.
Jack Harlow
The star rapper is tied for most nominations this year (7), including two of the night’s biggest awards: “Artist of the Year” and “Video of the Year”, bringing his career-to-date VMAs nominations to a total of 10, since 2020. He will also make his “VMAs” solo performance debut.
The show has seen a bevy of legends and fan-favorites step into the role of host, including music superstar Doja Cat (2021), actress Keke Palmer (2020), comedic powerhouse Sebastian Maniscalco (2019) and global artist Katy Perry (2017), amongst many others.
Previously announced “VMAs” news includes:
PERFORMERS: Anitta, BLACKPINK, J Balvin, Jack Harlow, Lizzo, Måneskin, Marshmello x Khalid, Nicki Minaj, and Panic! At The Disco are among the can’t-miss performers set to take the iconic MTV stage. Kane Brown will headline the Toyota Stage. Additional names to be announced soon.
VIDEO VANGUARD AWARD: Global superstar Nicki Minaj will receive MTV’s coveted honor (more info).
NOMINATIONS: Jack Harlow, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Nas X (7), along with Doja Cat and Harry Styles (6) lead; Billie Eilish, Drake, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and The Weeknd (5) closely follow. Full list here. Nominations for social categories “Group of the Year” and “Song of Summer” to be announced tomorrow, Friday, August 19th.
VOTING: Fans can vote for their favorites across 22 gender-neutral categories by visiting vote.mtv.com through tomorrow, Friday, August 19th, thanks to Burger King®. Voting for “Best New Artist,” presented by EXTRA® Gum, remains active into show.
THE VMAs EXPERIENCE ON ROBLOX: As a companion to the first-ever “Best Metaverse Performance” category, fans can now launch into a custom Moon Person immersive experience, complete with a virtual red carpet, music, and dance themed activities, exclusive in-game experience rewards, and vote for their favorite “Best Metaverse” performance.
CREDITS: Bruce Gillmer and Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic are Executive Producers; Barb Bialkowski is Co-Executive Producer. Alicia Portugal and Jackie Barba serve as Executives in Charge of Production. Wendy Plaut is the Executive in Charge of Celebrity Talent. Lisa Lauricella is Music Talent Executive.
