Summer is coming to an end, but there’s no need to be sad—it means the MTV VMAs 2023 are just around the corner. Marking the end of the season, the famed award ceremony consistently delivers memorable moments and red carpet looks that go down in history, all on top of unforgettable performances. Of course, the 2023 edition of the event will be no different.
Earlier this month, MTV announced the complete list of 2023 VMAs nominees. Taylor Swift leads the pack this year with eight nominations, including artist of the year and video of the year. SZA follows her closely with six nods of her own; other notable nominees include Doja Cat, BLACKPINK, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sam Smith.
Judging by the nominees alone, we can already expect a dazzling night, but the performers are the cherry on top of this year’s star-studded cake. If you are a STAY, you might want to consider the trek to Newark, New Jersey’s Prudential Center, because Stray Kids are set to take the VMAs stage for the very first time. So, too, will Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, performing their new song “Bongos.”
On top of the other incredible performers listed below, Video Vanguard recipient Shakira and Global Icon Award honoree P. Diddy will both take the VMAs stage tonight with extra-special performances. Keep scrolling to check out the acts at the MTV VMAs 2023 on Tuesday, September 12 at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat’s highly anticipated fourth studio album Scarlet is set to arrive a week after the VMAs, which means it’s the perfect occasion for the musician to tease her new music. Doja is a four-time VMA winner, and hosted the awards in 2021. She’s nominated for five awards at this year’s show, including the major categories video of the year and artist of the year.
Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo will make her grand return to the MTV stage on VMAs night, just two years after her debut performance at the awards show. In 2021, Rodrigo took home three Moon Persons—this year, she’s up for a total of six, with nods in major categories like video of the year. Rodrigo’s sophomore album Guts dropped only a few days ago, on September 8, so it’s likely she’ll perform a track or two from her new record live for the first time ever.
Karol G
Latin music enthusiasts, rejoice: For the very first time, Colombian sensation Karol G is set to take the stage during the 2023 VMAs. Karol G is currently on the road with her first-ever stadium tour, but will take a break from the shows for the event. She’s also nominated for artist of the year, best collaboration, and best Latin, so it looks like it’ll be an eventful night for La Bichota.
Stray Kids
K-pop superstars Stray Kids are headed back to the Prudential Center, the same venue where they performed during their Maniac Tour—but this time, as MTV VMAs performers. The South Korean octet will make their VMAs debut this year, and are set to perform “S-CLASS,” marking the US broadcast premiere of the 5-STAR song. And the occasion is a double celebration since they could also take home their first MTV Moon Person Award for best K-pop.
Nicki Minaj
Last year, Nicki Minaj was named the 2022 Video Vanguard and performed an iconic medley of her biggest hits. This year, the star will make a grand return to the VMAs stage with a world premiere performance of her new single “Last Time I Saw You,” off of the forthcoming Pink Friday 2. Minaj is nominated for a total of six awards at this year s ceremony, and will serve once more as the show’s emcee to announce the VMAs performers, presenters, and winners.
Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato will grace the VMAs stage as a performer for the first time in six years during the VMAs 2023. Lovato, who’s nominated for best pop and Video for Good, is keeping her songs of choice for the night under wraps. However, their highly anticipated new album Revamped, featuring rock versions of her biggest hits, comes out just days after—so we ought to get ready for some head-banging.
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter is going from opening Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour to the MTV VMAs stage! The singer-songwriter will perform during the 90-minute live Pre-Show, hosted by rap darling Saweetie and media personalities Nessa, Dometi Pongo, and Kevan Kenney.
Lil Wayne
Rap icon and hip-hop legend Lil Wayne is returning to the VMAs stage after more than a decade, and with new music! Weezy’s latest single, “Kat Food,” will be performed live for the first time at this year’s show. He’s nominated for the best hip-hop Moon Person this year, the award he first won back in 2008.
Tomorrow X Together (TXT)
Tomorrow X Together is making their MTV stage debut at the 2023 VMAs, and making history while doing it. TXT will not only premiere a brand-new single, but will also be the first K-pop group to deliver an international, cross-genre performance with Brazil’s Anitta. TXT is nominated this year in the best K-pop and Push Performance of the Year categories.
Kaliii
Not only is Kaliii MTV’s August 2023 PUSH Artist, but she’s also a first-time nominee for a Moon Person and a first-time performer at the VMAs. The budding rap star, who is up for best new artist, will perform on the Extended Play Stage presented by Doritos.
Reneé Rapp
Alongside Kaliii, former Sex Lives of College Girls star Reneé Rapp is also nominated for best new artist this year, and will take the VMAs Extended Play stage during the main ceremony. Rapp just dropped her highly anticipated LP Snow Angel on August 18.
Anitta
Anitta made history at last year s VMAs when she became the first artist from Brazil to win a Moon Person. The global superstar is nominated in the same category, best Latin, this year, and will be performing a medley of hits from her latest EP, Funk Generation: A Favela Love Story.
Kelsea Ballerini
Country star and critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini is making her MTV stage debut at this year’s VMAs. The multi-platinum artist is set to deliver the world-premiere performance of a song from her recently released deluxe EP Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good). Fun fact: Ballerini will also celebrate her 30th birthday at the VMAs—her birthday is September 12!
NLE Choppa
Memphis rap star NLE Choppa will perform during the VMAs Pre-Show special, a triumphant follow-up to his recently released and highly-anticipated album Cottonwood 2.
Måneskin
Italian band Måneskin made their VMAs debut last year, and they’re back in 2023. Måneskin, who are also nominated for best rock this year, will debut their forthcoming single “Honey (Are You Coming?)” live during the MTV VMAs, following the song’s official release on September 1.
The Warning
Mexican rock band the Warning—made up of sisters Daniela, Paulina, and Alejandra Villarreal Vélez—will make their American television debut on the VMAs Extended Play stage. The Warning has previously opened for rock icons like Guns N Roses and Foo Fighters.
