MTV VMAs 2018: Nominees, performances, how to watch - everything you need to know

Expect performances from Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj 

Clarisse Loughrey
Tuesday 21 August 2018 03:43 BST
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This year's Video Music Awards presents one of the tightest races in years with the likes of Childish Gambino, Cardi B, and The Carters (aka Beyoncé and Jay-Z) all vying for a Moonman.

Broadcast live from New York's Radio City Music Hall on 20 August, the ceremony has a reputation for the occasional controversy, meaning there could be some shock moments and surprises in store this year.

Here's everything you need to know about the 2018 VMAs, rewarding the very best music videos of the past year.

How to watch?

The 2018 VMAs will air on MTV at 9pm EST/6pm PST in the US. However, UK audiences sadly won't be able to watch along live, though the ceremony will air on 21 August at 8pm on MTV UK.

Who's hosting?

There's no set host this year, with the award presenters carrying the burden of keeping the show going smoothly and snappily; Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, Olivia Munn, Lenny Kravitz, and Blake Lively are amongst those scheduled to appear.

Who's performing?

Cardi B is set to open the show, only weeks after giving birth to her daughter, Kulture Kiari, though it's not confirmed she'll actually perform. Artists who will definitely appear include Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, Travis Scott, Post Malone, Ryan Tedder, Logic, and Nicki Minaj.

It's also expected that a tribute to Aretha Franklin will go ahead, though no details have been released as to whether it will consist of a musical performance or a monologue.

Who's nominated?

Cardi B leads with ten nominations, while Beyoncé and Jay-Z trail closely with eight nominations, followed by Childish Gambino who has seven. Jennifer Lopez will receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

You can check out the nominations in the main categories below:

Video of the Year

Ariana Grande – "No Tears Left to Cry"
Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B – "Finesse (Remix)"
Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – "Havana"
The Carters – "APES**T"
Childish Gambino – "This Is America"
Drake – "God's Plan"

Artist of the Year

Ariana Grande
Bruno Mars
Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Drake
Post Malone

Song of the Year

Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B – "Finesse (Remix)"
Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – "Havana"
Drake – "God's Plan"
Dua Lipa – "New Rules"
Ed Sheeran – "Perfect"
Post Malone ft. 21 Savage – "rockstar"

Best New Artist

Bazzi
Cardi B
Chloe x Halle
Hayley Kiyoko
Lil Pump
Lil Uzi Vert

Best Collaboration

Bebe Rexha ft. Florida Georgia Line – "Meant to Be"
Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B – "Finesse (Remix)"
The Carters – "APES**T"
Jennifer Lopez ft. DJ Khaled & Cardi B – "Dinero"
Logic ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid – "1-800-273-8255"
N.E.R.D & Rihanna – "Lemon"

Best Pop

Ariana Grande – "No Tears Left to Cry"
Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – "Havana"
Demi Lovato – "Sorry Not Sorry"
Ed Sheeran – "Perfect"
Pink – "What About Us"
Shawn Mendes – "In My Blood"

Best Hip-Hop

Cardi B ft. 21 Savage – "Bartier Cardi"
The Carters – "APES**T"
Drake – "God's Plan"
J. Cole – "ATM"
Migos ft. Drake – "Walk It Talk It"
Nicki Minaj – "Chun-Li"

Best Latin

Daddy Yankee – "Dura"
J Balvin, Willy William – "Mi Gente"
Jennifer Lopez ft. DJ Khaled & Cardi B – "Dinero"
Luis Fonsi, Demi Lovato – "Échame La Culpa"
Maluma – "Felices los 4"
Shakira ft. Maluma – "Chantaje"

Best Dance

Avicii ft. Rita Ora – "Lonely Together"
Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa – "One Kiss"
The Chainsmokers – "Everybody Hates Me"
David Guetta & Sia – "Flames"
Marshmello ft. Khalid – "Silence"
Zedd & Liam Payne – "Get Low (Street Video)"

Best Rock

Fall Out Boy – "Champion"
Foo Fighters – "The Sky Is a Neighborhood"
Imagine Dragons – "Whatever It Takes"
Linkin Park – "One More Light"
Panic! at the Disco – "Say Amen (Saturday Night)"
Thirty Seconds to Mars – "Walk on Water"

Video with a Message

Childish Gambino – "This Is America"
Dej Loaf and Leon Bridges – "Liberated"
Drake – 'God's Plan"
Janelle Monáe – "PYNK"
Jessie Reyez – "Gatekeeper"
Logic ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid – "1-800-273-8255"

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