Music’s wildest night! The 2022 MTV Video Music Awards are headed back to New Jersey, and the event promises to be full of memorable moments — and surprises.
The awards show was previously held in Newark in 2019, marking the first time the Garden State hosted the ceremony. For 2022, the ceremony will return to the Prudential Center, which is home to the New Jersey Devils hockey team.
“New Jersey is honored to once again host the MTV Video Music Awards at one of our many world-class entertainment and sports venues,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement in April 2022. “Our state has a proud history of supporting the arts and is always seeking opportunities to partner with the entertainment industry to promote economic development and cultural appreciation. On behalf of New Jersey, we welcome VMA performers and attendees alike to our great state.”
MTV honored the host state multiple times throughout the 2019 ceremony with several Jersey-specific moments and performances. Sopranos alums Drea de Matteo, Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Vincent Pastore teamed up to present one award, and the Jonas Brothers played a two-song set broadcast from The Stone Pony in Asbury Park.
The event also highlighted some of New Jersey’s most famous musicians with a finale medley that featured Queen Latifah, Fetty Wap, Wyclef Jean, Naughty by Nature and Redman.
At the 2022 ceremony, however, the evening’s biggest honoree is a New York City native: Nicki Minaj. The “Starships” rapper is set to receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, which is the VMAs equivalent of a lifetime achievement trophy. The honor has previously been bestowed on artists including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Madonna, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Missy Elliott.
“Nicki has broken barriers for women in hip-hop with her versatility and creative artistry,” Bruce Gillmer, president of music, music talent, programming and events at Paramount+ said in a statement in August 2022. “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.’”
The “Anaconda” musician, for her part, encouraged fans to tune in to the show for her performance, which will feature a medley of her biggest hits. “I’m receiving the Video Vanguard Award at the 2022 #VMAs!” she wrote via Instagram in August 2022. “You DO NOT !!!! I REPEAT!!!! You do NOTTTTTT want to miss my performance.”
Keep scrolling for everything to know about the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards.
When Does the Show Air?
The 2022 MTV VMAs will air on MTV Sunday, August 28, at 8 p.m. ET.
Who’s Performing?
In addition to Minaj, performers include J Balvin, Anitta, Kane Brown and Panic! at the Disco. Khalid and Marshmello are also set to team up for a live rendition of their track “Numb.”
MTV later added Lizzo, Jack Harlow, Måneskin and Blackpink to the lineup. Harlow will make his first solo appearance at the show after performing alongside Lil Nas X in 2021, while Blackpink will make their U.S. awards show debut.
Who’s Nominated?
Kendrick Lamar, Harlow and Lil Nas X topped the list of nominations with seven nods each. Harry Styles and Doja Cat aren’t far behind with six nominations each, while Taylor Swift has five. The singer’s self-directed “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)” video is up for Video of the Year, Best Longform Video, Best Cinematography, Best Direction and Best Editing. Other nominees include Ed Sheeran, Drake, Olivia Rodrigo, Lizzo, Bad Bunny, Adele, Billie Eilish and Justin Bieber.
Who’s Getting the Video Vanguard Award?
After two years with no winner, Minaj will take home the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. The “Only” rapper has previously been nominated for 16 VMAs since 2010, winning a total of five. Most recently, she won a Moon Person for her 2019 collaboration “Hot Girl Summer” with Megan Thee Stallion and Ty Dolla $ign.
Who Is Hosting?
Minaj, Harlow and LL Cool J will share duties as emcees for the 2022 ceremony. “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,” MTV announced in a press release. Harlow and Minaj will be pulling double duty as performers as well, with the “Barbie Dreams” rapper set to play a medley of hits in connection with her Video Vanguard Award.
Who’s Getting the Global Icon Award?
Red Hot Chili Peppers, who will perform at the VMAs for the first time since 2000, will receive the Global Icon Award.
Will Johnny Depp Appear at the 2022 VMAs?
One week before the ceremony, TMZ reported that Johnny Depp was in talks to make a surprise appearance at the show while dressed as MTV’s iconic Moonperson. The actor has won five MTV Movie Awards, including Best Villain in 2008 for Sweeney Todd and the MTV Generation Award in 2012.
Who’s Playing the VMAs Preshow?
Before the main show kicks off at 8 p.m. ET, Dove Cameron, Saucy Santana and Yung Gravy will perform during the preshow. Nessa and Kevan Kenney will serve as the hosts for this portion of the event, with Tate McRae working as a “special celebrity correspondent” and Murda Beatz performing as the Kraft Singles House DJ.
