The MTV VMAs have a legendary reputation for creating unforgettable pop culture moments. Since its debut in 1984, the awards show has been the stage for some of the most iconic events in music history.
In 1999, a 17-year-old Britney Spears made her mark with a debut performance of “…Baby One More Time.” A few years later, she created a media frenzy by sharing an onstage kiss with Madonna during their 2003 performance. In 2009, Kanye West’s infamous interruption of Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech for Best Female Video sparked a long-running feud. And in 2011, Beyoncé’s surprise pregnancy announcement during her performance of “Love on Top” set social media abuzz and set a record for the most mentions on X per second.
This year’s VMAs promise to deliver more of the same excitement.
Broadcasting live from New York’s UBS Arena on September 11 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, the 2024 MTV VMAs will celebrate a year of visual spectacles from top artists like Post Malone, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, and others.
The coveted “Moon Person” (formerly “Moonman”) trophy, symbolizing pop culture excellence, will be awarded to the night’s top performers.
Here’s what you need to know:
When is the show?
The MTV Video Music Awards will air live from the UBS Arena in New York on September 11 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The show will be broadcast on MTV and available for streaming on MTV’s global network, including BET, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV2, Nick at Nite, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land, VH1, and Univision. MTV and TelevisaUnivision will again partner for a live simulcast, with an encore presentation airing on UNIMÁS at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT.
Who is hosting?
Megan Thee Stallion will host the MTV VMAs for the first time and also perform. She has earned seven nominations this year, including Best Collaboration and Best Hip-Hop.
Who is performing?
The show will feature performances by Eminem, Anitta, Benson Boone, Camila Cabello, Chappell Roan, GloRilla, Halsey, Karol G, Lenny Kravitz, LISA, LL Cool J, Megan Thee Stallion, Rauw Alejandro, Sabrina Carpenter, and Shawn Mendes.
Who is receiving the Video Vanguard Award?
Katy Perry will receive the MTV Video Vanguard Award. The five-time VMA winner, whose seventh studio album, 143, releases on September 20, will deliver a medley of her greatest hits. Previous recipients include Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Rihanna.
Who are the nominees to watch?
Taylor Swift leads with 12 nominations, including Artist of the Year and Best Pop, followed by Post Malone with 11 and Eminem with eight. Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Megan Thee Stallion, and SZA each have seven nominations.
Top Categories to Watch:
Video of the Year: Ariana Grande — “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”; Billie Eilish — “Lunch”; Doja Cat — “Paint the Town Red”; Eminem — “Houdini”; SZA — “Snooze”; Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone — “Fortnight”
Artist of the Year: Ariana Grande, Bad Bunny, Eminem, Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, Taylor Swift
Song of the Year: Beyoncé — “Texas Hold ‘Em,” Jack Harlow — “Lovin On Me,” Kendrick Lamar — “Not Like Us,” Sabrina Carpenter — “Espresso,” Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone — “Fortnight,” Teddy Swims — “Lose Control”
Best New Artist: Benson Boone, Chappell Roan, Gracie Abrams, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims, Tyla
Best Collaboration: Drake ft. Sexyy Red and SZA — “Rich Baby Daddy,” GloRilla, Megan Thee Stallion — “Wanna Be,” Jessie Murph ft. Jelly Roll — “Wild Ones,” Jung Kook ft. Latto — “Seven,” Post Malone ft. Morgan Wallen — “I Had Some Help,” Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone — “Fortnight”
Notable VMA Firsts: Taylor Swift has a chance to break her own record by winning Video of the Year three consecutive times, and five times overall. Sabrina Carpenter, Morgan Wallen, Tyla, and Teddy Swims are among 29 first-time VMA nominees. Chappell Roan is making her VMA debut with nominations for Best New Artist and PUSH: Performance of the Year for “Red Wine Supernova.” Carpenter will also perform on the VMAs stage for the first time, while Gracie Abrams, nominated for Best New Artist, is making her first appearance at the VMAs with her album The Secret of Us, featuring a duet with Taylor Swift.