Nicki Minaj to Receive the 2022 VMAs Vanguard Award

It’s that time of the year again. The MTV Video Music Awards are quickly approaching, on August 28 to be exact, and the nominees for this year have just been announced.

Beginning today, fans can vote for their favorite nominees across the 22 gender-neutral categories, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year, here through Friday, August 19.

The VMAs have long been a legendary night. We will never forget Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” performance back in 2013, or Madonna and Britney Spears’s iconic kiss in 2003. With only a month to go, we are on the edge of our seats waiting to see what major moments will occur this year.

To get you completely caught up for the occasion, here is a roundup of everything you need to know before the VMAs take to the Prudential Center late next month.

Who’s Nominated?

The most nominated artists this year are Jack Harlow, Lil Nas X, and Kendrick Lamar with seven nominations each. Following their lead are Harry Styles and Doja Cat with six noms each, and Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, and Taylor Swift each scoring five. Bad Bunny, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, Jack Harlow, Lil Nas X, and Lizzo are all nominated for Artist of the Year.

On another note, Madonna has received her 69th nomination this year for her project MADAME X and currently reigns as the most awarded artist in VMA history with 20 wins. Maybe she will even kiss someone new this year.

See the full list of nominations here.

Who’s Set to Perform?

So far, Anitta, J Balvin, Marshmello and Khalid, and Panic! At The Disco are set to take the VMAs stage later this month. Per an official press release, more performers will be announced soon.

Nicki Minaj will receive this year’s Video Vanguard Award.

MTV announced that this year’s Video Vanguard Award will go to megastar rapper Nicki Minaj. The award has previously been awarded to music mainstays such as Missy Elliot, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, and Madonna.

“Nicki has broken barriers for women in hip-hop with her versatility and creative artistry,” said Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+ in a statement. “She has shifted the music industry and cemented her status as a global superstar with her crossover appeal, genre-defying style and continuing to be unapologetically ‘Nicki’.”

Who’s Hosting?

A host for the night hasn’t been shared yet, but they will have a hard time beating Doja Cat’s hosting stint from last year. We can expect to hear the announcement soon, along with the full list of performers.

How Can I Watch?

For the third year in a row, the VMAs will be simultaneously broadcast on MTV along with the CW Network. Set your DVR for Sunday, August 28, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The show will also be available on BET, BET Her, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land, and VH1.