Superstars will emcee the Video Music Awards
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 28th at 8 pm 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.
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.
Minaj is a 17x nominated, 5x VMAs winner who 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.
Rapper Harlow is tied for most nominations this year with seven, 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 in 2021, actress Keke Palmer in 2020, comedic powerhouse Sebastian Maniscalco in 2019 and global artist Katy Perry in 2017, amongst many others.
The star-packed performance lineup includes Anitta, J Balvin, Blackpink, Lizzo, Måneskin, Marshmello x Khalid and Panic! At The Disco. Kane Brown will make his VMAs debut as he headlines the Toyota Stage and the first male country artist to perform on the iconic show. Additional performers and show details to be announced soon.
Fans can vote for their favorites across 22 gender-neutral categories by visiting vote.mtv.com through Friday, August 19th, thanks to Burger King. Voting for “Best New Artist,” presented by EXTRA Gum, remains active into show.
