On Sunday, the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards will go down live from the Forum in Inglewood, California.
Known for its Moonman trophy, awkward encounters (think Yeezy and T. Swift), and epic performances, the annual ceremony — which began in 1984 — celebrates the best video achievements of the year by some of music’s biggest names.
As previously reported, this year, MTV has decided to shake things up by axing gender-specific categories. The move comes on the heels of MTV’s decision to replace the former best actor and best actress categories with non-gendered best actor in a movie and best actor in a show at the 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards. Then there’s a new honor: “best fight against the system,” highlighting music videos making waves with strong political statements.
In the meantime, here’s everything you need to know ahead of the big fête.
Who’s hosting?
Katy Perry is your hostess with the mostess, and rightly so. With a new album, Witness, and a tour on the way, the pop singer has hit nothing but a “Swish Swish” with her latest role of VMAs host. In July, the 32-year-old told fans to “Brace for impact!” referring to herself as a “MOONWOMAN” in a promo video featuring herself floating in space, dressed as the show’s iconic trophy.
Perry joins the likes of Miley Cyrus (2015), Jack Black (2006), Diddy (2005), Eddie Murphy (1985) and Bette Midler (1984), each fellow chart-toppers who have hosted the show.
Who’s performing?
In addition to hosting, Perry will also perform. But, she won’t be the only musical act to rock the stage. Kendrick Lamar, Miley Cyrus, Ed Sheeran, Fifth Harmony, Lorde, the Weeknd, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and Shawn Mendes are just a few of the names in the VMAs’ star-studded lineup.
They’ll be joined by Demi Lovato, Logic, DJ Khalid, Julia Michaels, Post Malone, Cardi B, and legendary rocker Rod Stewart — the latter will team up with DNCE for a cover of his 1978 track “Do You Think I’m Sexy.”
But, that’s not it. P!nk, 37, is slated to perform her new single “What About Us” from her forthcoming sixth album, Beautiful Trauma — before accepting the night’s lifetime achievement Video Vanguard award for her 17-year long music career as well as her impact on entertainment, pop culture, fashion and philanthropy. Considering she’s got six Video Music Awards to her name and 18 nominations, we’d say it’s a long time coming.
And the nominees are?
Kendrick Lamar leads the pack with eight nods, including video of the year for his song “HUMBLE.” He’ll duke it out for that titles with Bruno Mars (“24K Magic”), Alessia Cara (“Scars to Your Beautiful), the Weeknd (“Reminder”) and DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller (“Wild Thoughts”). He’s also up for the aforementioned artist of the year award, against Mars, Lamar, Sheeran, Lorde and Ariana Grande. The Weeknd‘s Video of the Year nomination is one of five he has, tying with Perry.
In case you missed it, fans were given the opportunity to vote for their favorites in all categories by visiting www.vma.mtv.com. Still want to get in on the action? There’s one category open: best new artist, presented by Taco Bell®. The nominees include DJ Khalid, Kodak Black, SZA, Young M.A, Julia Michaels and Noah Cyrus.
For a full list of nominations, click here.
Be sure to tune into the 2017 MTV VMAs on Sunday, Aug. 27 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
