The show airs live from New York City on September 11th
Global rap icon Eminem will open the 2024 VMAs live on Wednesday, September 11th at 8 pm ET/PT from New York’s UBS Arena. One of the best-selling musicians of the 21st century, the 15-time Grammy winner will treat fans to the first TV show performance from his recently released 12th studio LP The Death of Slim Shady.
Tied for the most Moon Persons wins with Peter Gabriel, Eminem last opened the VMAs in 2010 with a powerful performance of “Not Afraid,” followed by a duet with Rihanna for “Love the Way You Lie.”
His eight nominations this year include Video of the Year, Best Hip-Hop, Song of the Summer, Presented by Hilton, and VMAs Most Iconic Performance for his 2000 medley of “Real Slim Shady” & “The Way I Am,” which included a procession of 100+ look-alikes dressed as him.
Securing one win this year would solidify his status as the most celebrated male artist in show history. He already holds the title of the most wins by a rap artist. Additionally, with 67 total nods, he is the 2nd most nominated artist, trailing only Madonna with 71.
He last performed in 2022 with Snoop Dogg and transformed the MTV stage for a first-of-its-kind performance of “From the D 2 The LBC” inspired by the world of the Otherside metaverse. In 2012, Eminem made a surprise appearance during Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s performance of “Forgot About Dre” and “Still D.R.E.” During his debut year in 1999, Eminem won Best New Artist and performed a medley of “Guilty Conscience” and “My Name Is.”
Anitta, Karol G, LL Cool J, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, Chappell Roan, GloRilla, Rauw Alejandro, Sabrina Carpenter, Benson Boone, Halsey, Lenny Kravitz, and Blackpink’s Lisa are set to perform at the show. Global sensation Megan Thee Stallion will triumphantly return to the MTV stage, adding performer to her role as show host with an unforgettable performance. The Extended Play Stage presented by Doritos includes Jessie Murph and Teddy Swims.
Katy Perry is this year’s Vanguard Award and will perform a career-spanning medley of her biggest chart-toppers.
Addison Rae, Alessandra Ambrosio, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Big Sean, Busta Rhymes, Carson Daly, Cyndi Lauper, Måneskin’s Damiano David Måneskin, 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 have all been named presenters.
Taylor Swift leads the nominations with 12, followed closely by Post Malone with 11, Eminem with eight, Ariana Grande Megan Thee Stallion, Sabrina Carpenter & Sza with seven each; Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, GloRilla, Lisa, Olivia Rodrigo & Teddy Swims with four each.
In observance of the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, MTV will again support the nonprofit 9/11 Day, which organizes the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, and Tuesday’s Children, which serves the families of 9/11.
