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Everything to know about the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards

We're just days away from music's wildest night... the MTV Video Music Awards.

As the world gears up for the 38th VMAs, EW has gathered all the info you need to know before watching, including who's performing, where the event is being held, and more. Read on for your complete guide.

When are the 2022 VMAs?

This year, the VMAs are being held at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., and will be airing live on Sunday, Aug. 28, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

How can I watch?

Naturally, the VMAs will be airing on its home network, MTV. But this year it's also being simulcast on tons of other Paramount/Viacom/CBS networks, including the CW, BET, BET Her, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TVLand, and VH1. However, MTV hasn't made any mention of the show streaming on Paramount+ despite the fact that the 2021 VMAs did.

Who is hosting the VMAs?

Rappers Nicki Minaj, LL Cool J, and Jack Harlow are set to share hosting duties for the star-studded music event. In addition to her emcee duties, Minaj will also receive the prestigious Video Vanguard Award at the ceremony.

Who is nominated this year?

Leading the pack this year for traditional nominations are Kendrick Lamar, Lil Nas X, and Jack Harlow — all three have earned seven nominations. Not far behind are Doja Cat (last year's host) and Harry Styles, with six noms each. Billie Eilish, Drake, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and the Weeknd all earned five nominations each.

Duking it out for the night's biggest prize, Video of the Year, will be Doja Cat for "Woman," Drake ft. Future & Young Thug for "Way 2 Sexy," Ed Sheeran for "Shivers," Harry Styles for "As It Was," Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow for "Industry Baby," Olivia Rodrigo for "Brutal," and Taylor Swift for "All Too Well (Taylor's version)." See the full list of VMA nominees here.

MTV also announced that fans will be able to vote for special social categories Group of the Year, Song of the Summer, and Album of the Year on MTV's Instagram until Aug. 27.

Group of the Year nominees include Blackpink, Foo Fighters, BTS, and more.

Contenders for Song of the Summer include Lizzo's "About Damn Time," Styles' "Late Night Talking", and Beyoncé's "Break My Soul", among others. Album of the Year contenders include Adele for 30, Billie Eilish for Happier Than Ever, and Harry Styles for Harry's House.

Who is presenting?

This year, presenters include Ashley Graham, Avril Lavigne, Bebe Rexha, Becky G, Billy Eichner, comedians Cheech & Chong (aka: Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong), Chlöe Bailey, Dixie D'Amelio, DJ Khaled, Dove Cameron, Joel Madden, Latto, Lili Reinhart, and Offset, among others.

Who will perform?

The VMAs are stacked with high-profile performances this year, including from Blackpink, Lizzo, Jack Harlow, Måneskin, J Balvin, Marshmellow x Khalid, Panic! at the Disco, and Kane Brown, who will be making history as the first male country artist to perform at the VMAs. He will be performing his new single, "Grand," and has said that the performance will use mixed reality technology, which combines digital projections with real-life performers.

Minaj, who is being honored with the prestigious Vanguard award, will also perform. According to a release from MTV, Minaj has changed the landscape of hip-hop and broken barriers for women in the music industry. That, combined with her decades-spanning career with hits like "Super Bass," "Anaconda," and her collaboration with Jessie J and Ariana Grande for "Bang Bang," have made Minaj a star worthy of receiving the coveted trophy. Previous recipients of the award include Elton John, Madonna, David Bowie, and Jennifer Lopez.

Additionally, Eminem and Snoop Dogg will transform the stage into a first-of-its-kind metaverse event. The duo are set to perform their collaboration "From the D 2 the LBC" surrounded by an experience inspired by Otherside, a world-building MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) launching soon. This will be Eminem's first time performing at the VMAs in 12 years and Snoop Dogg's first performance since 2005.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers will also take the stage to receive the Global Icon Award, celebrating their decades-long career and impact on the alt-rock scene (the band has been nominated for a whopping 29 VMAs). Presenting the award will be America's favorite stoner-comedy duo, Cheech & Chong.

One of the night's wildest performances may come when Bad Bunny performs live from the iconic Yankee Stadium in New York City. The musician will be doing an exclusive set from his World's Hottest Tour that promises all-new, never-before-seen choreography. The nine-time VMA nominee is up for four awards at the ceremony, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.

This year, the VMAs will once again set up their Extended Play Stage giving up-and-coming musicians the chance to perform live at one of the biggest music events of the year. The Extended Play lineup this year includes Conan Gray, Flo Milli, JID, and Lauren Spencer Smith.

What will the ceremony be like?

You never know what to expect at the Video Music Awards — it's an awards show known for its surprises. Some have been planned, like that famous kiss between Madonna and Britney Spears. Others were not so planned, like Kanye West charging the stage and snatching the microphone from Taylor Swift. And some moments, like Miley Cyrus twerking along to "Blurred Lines," turned into a massive controversy without MTV ever intending it to.

Will there be a pre-show?

Yes, the VMA pre-show begins at 6:15 p.m. ET, and will be hosted by Nessa and Kevan Kenney, with Tate McRae serving as a correspondent. Throughout the pre-show, red carpet looks will be examined, shocking moments from past ceremonies will be revisited, and a lineup of special performances are on the roster from Dove Cameron, Saucy Santana, and Yung Gravy.

This article will be updated as more info about the 2022 VMAs is released.

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