Tonight’s the night for the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards.
For those who care about winners at the show, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X have the most chances to take home a moon-person trophy.
More importantly, there are lots of big performances on tap — by Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Big Sean and A$AP Ferg, and Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabelo. Video Vanguard honoree Missy Elliott is also slated to perform.
This year’s show beams out from Newark, New Jersey. Viewers will be reminded of the fact that the show is coming from the Garden State with a closing performance from some of the state’s stars: Queen Latifah, Naughty by Nature, Redman, Fetty Wap and Wyclef Jean.
Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco will host. The main show begins at 8 p.m. [ET].
Nominees in the top categories:
Video of the Year
21 Savage: “A Lot” [f/ J. Cole]
Billie Eilish: “Bad Guy”
Ariana Grande: “Thank U, Next”
Jonas Brothers: “Sucker”
Lil Nas X: “Old Town Road (Remix)” [f/ Billy Ray Cyrus]
Taylor Swift: “You Need to Calm Down”
Artist of the Year
Cardi B
Billie Eilish
Ariana Grande
Halsey
Jonas Brothers
Shawn Mendes
Song of the Year
Drake: “In My Feelings”
Ariana Grande: “Thank U, Next”
Jonas Brothers: “Sucker”
Lady Gaga / Bradley Cooper: “Shallow”
Lil Nas X: “Old Town Road (Remix)” [f/ Billy Ray Cyrus]
Taylor Swift: “You Need to Calm Down”
Best New Artist
Ava Max
Billie Eilish
H.E.R.
Lil Nas X
Lizzo
ROSALÍA
Best Collaboration
Lil Nas X: “Old Town Road (Remix)” [f/ Billy Ray Cyrus]
Lady Gaga / Bradley Cooper: “Shallow”
Shawn Mendes / Camila Cabello: “Señorita”
Taylor Swift: “ME!” [f/ Brendon Urie]
Ed Sheeran / Justin Bieber: “I Don’t Care”
BTS: “Boy With Luv” [f/ Halsey]
Hot Takes:
- The VMAs are always a good time. They’re a lot faster-paced and more fun than some of the stuffier award shows.
- It’s nice to see New Jersey getting some respect for once. The Garden State’s been slept on too long.
- Megan Thee Stallion will perform on the pre-show.