The 2022 MTV Video Music Awards [1] was a star-studded event! The nominations were announced [2] on 26 July, and a host of performers took the stage on 28 Aug., from Anitta to Eminem [3] and Lizzo [4]. Bad Bunny also took the stage [5] — though he wasn't exactly on site.
In addition, Nicki Minaj made her return to the VMAs stage for the first time since 2018. The 39-year-old rapper [6] was honoured with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. "Nicki has broken barriers for women in hip-hop with her versatility and creative artistry," Bruce Gillmer, president of music, music talent, programming & events at Paramount and chief content officer of music at Paramount+, said in a press release. "She has shifted the music industry and cemented her status as a global superstar with her crossover appeal, genre-defying style and continuing to be unapologetically 'Nicki.'"
The MTV VMAs took place at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. Ahead, check out all the 2022 VMAs performances, including Jack Harlow featuring Fergie [7], Blackpink [8], Minaj [9], and more.
Watch the MTV VMAs on 29 Aug. at 10.30 p.m. on MTV UK.
Jack Harlow and Fergie
After teaming up with Lil Nas X to perform "Industry Baby [11]" at the ceremony last year, Harlow surprised the crowd when he brought out Fergie [12] for his "First Class [13]" performance (which, of course, samples Fergie's hit "Glamorous"). He also took home the best collaboration award with Lil Nas X for "Industry Baby."
Lizzo
Following her breakout VMAs performance [14] in 2019, Lizzo [15] hit the stage for the second time to perform "2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)" and "About Damn Time" from her "Special" album [16]. Lizzo [17]'s "About Damn Time" visual took home the video for good award.
Marshmello x Khalid
The duo teamed up once again for a world-premiere TV performance of their song "Numb."
Blackpink
Blackpink made their US award-show debut [18] at the ceremony when they performed new track "Pink Venom". The song is from the group's second studio album, "Born Pink," which is out 16 Sept.
Eminem and Snoop Dogg
Following their epic halftime show performance [19] at this year's Super Bowl, Eminem [20] and Snoop Dogg reunited at the VMAs to perform their latest collaboration, "From the D 2 the LBC." Their metaverse performance [21] marked the first VMAs performance for either artist in over a decade.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
To celebrate their global icon award win, the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed "Black Summer" and "Can't Stop."
Anitta
The global superstar delivered a sizzling performance of her hit "Envolver." Anitta also took home the award for best Latin video for the song, making her the first Brazilian artist to ever do so.
J Balvin
In addition to being nominated for best Latin video for his "In Da Getto" collaboration with Skrillex, J Balvin delivered a debut performance of his hit "Nivel de Perreo" with Ryan Castro.
Nicki Minaj
It was a big night for Minaj! Not only did she perform a medley of her greatest hits [22], including "Moment 4 Life," "Anaconda," "Chun Li," and "Super Bass," but she was also honoured with MTV's Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award for her achievements in music.
"Nicki has broken barriers for women in hip-hop with her versatility and creative artistry," Gillmer, president of music, music talent, programming & events at Paramount and chief content officer of music at Paramount+, said in a press release. "She has shifted the music industry and cemented her status as a global superstar with her crossover appeal, genre-defying style and continuing to be unapologetically 'Nicki.'"
Maneskin
The band made their VMAs debut with a performance of their hit "Supermodel." They also scored two nominations for best new artist and best alternative for "I Wanna Be Your Slave."
Maneskin
The band made their VMAs debut with a performance of their hit "Supermodel." They also scored two nominations for best new artist and best alternative for "I Wanna Be Your Slave."
Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny performed remotely during the VMAs, instead taking the stage live during the broadcast at the nearby Yankee Stadium. The 28-year-old global superstar also made history with his artist of the year win [23]. He is now the first Latinx artist to win in the category.
Panic! at the Disco
The band hit the VMAs stage for the first time since 2018 to to perform "Don't Let the Light Go Out" off their upcoming album, "Viva Las Vengeance." Their single of the same name was also nominated for best alternative video.