Nicki Minaj is set for a triumphant return to the MTV stage, reprising her dual role as show emcee and performer for the 2023 “VMAs” LIVE from New Jersey’s Prudential Center on Wednesday, September 13th at 1:00 am WAT across 150+ countries on MTV (DStv Channel 130) & MTV Base (DSTV Channel 322)

For the second consecutive year, Minaj will announce the show’s star-studded lineup of performers, presenters and winners and will stun fans with a world premiere performance of her newest single, “Last Time I Saw You.” 

Last year, the 6x winner of the “VMAs” commanded the event as emcee, performer, winner of “Best Hip Hop,” plus recipient of the coveted Video Vanguard Award. 

Minaj boasts an impressive 25 overall “VMAs” nominations, including 6 nods this year. She’s notably nominated once again for “Best Hip Hop,” a category she first won 12 years ago and another 3 times thereafter (2015, 2018, 2022). This year, her other 5 nominations include the sought-after categories of “Video of the Year” and “Artist of the Year.” 

Additional Moon Person wins include:

  • Her ongoing triumph in the “Best Hip Hop” category, securing wins for “Anaconda” (2015) and “Chun-Li” (2018). IN 2012, she also claimed the “Best Female Video” award for “Starships” and then in 2019 the award for “Best Power Anthem” (“Hot Girl Summer”).

Previous “VMAs” moments:

  • Minaj marked her debut on the “VMAs” main stage in 2012, delivering an unexpected rap verse on Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire.” In 2014, she staged an impressive trifecta, first taking fans to the Amazonian jungle with “Anaconda,” then teaming up with Ariana Grande and Jessie J for a show-stopping performance of “Bang Bang,” and finally, “She Came To Give It To U” with Usher.
  • In 2015, Nicki’s performance again formed a trio of songs, starting with “Trini Dem Girls,” before bringing Taylor Swift on stage for “The Night Is Still Young” and “Bad Blood.” She reunited with Ariana Grande in 2016 for “Side To Side,” and shared the stage with host Katy Perry in 2017 for a performance of “Swish Swish.”
  • Her 2018 performance featured an unforgettable rap medley from her album Queen, featuring songs “Majesty,” “Ganga Burn,” “FEFE” and “Barbie Dreams.” 
  • Beyond her captivating performances, Nicki consistently wows on the “VMAs” red carpet with her trendsetting fashion and hairstyles, generating instant viral buzz on social media and across global media outlets.

Previously announced “VMAs” news:

  • PERFORMERS, VANGUARD & GLOBAL ICON, PRESENTERS:
    • The star-packed performer lineup includes Anitta, Demi Lovato, Doja Cat, Karol G, Kelsea Ballerini, Lil Wayne, Måneskin, Olivia Rodrigo, Shakira, Stray Kids and TOMORROW X TOGETHER.Additional performers to be announced. (more info)
    • Legendary mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs will accept the prestigious Global Icon Award, performing live for the first time since 2005. (more info)
    • Global sensation Shakira will receive MTV’s coveted Video Vanguard Award, presented by Toyota, and perform live for the first time since 2006. (more info)
    • The first round of announced presenters includes Bebe Rexha, Charli D’Amelio, Coco Jones, Dixie D’Amelio, Emily Ratajkowski, French Montana, GloRilla, Ice Spice, Jared Leto, Madelyn Cline, Rita Ora and Sabrina Carpenter.
    • Extended Play Stage Presented by Doritos®lineup includes Kaliii, Reneé Rapp and The Warning.
  • 2023 “VMAs” PRE-SHOW|6:30-8:00 PM ET/PT
    • NLE Choppa and Sabrina Carpenter are set to perform during the 90-minute event, hosted by award-winning rap star Saweetie with Nessa, Dometi and Kevan Kenney.
  • NOMINATIONS + VOTING:
    • With the addition of Social Categories, Taylor Swift (11) still leads Nominations, followed by SZA (8), BLACKPINK, Doja Cat, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Olivia Rodrigo (6), Kim Petras and Sam Smith (5 each), Beyoncé, Diddy, Drake, Ice Spice, Karol G, Metro Boomin, Shakira and TOMORROW X TOGETHER (4 each).
    • General fan voting is now closed; voting remains open for Social Categories and “Best New Artist.” 

For updates and additional information, be sure to follow @MTV and @VMAs across social platforms to keep up with all-things #VMAs.


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