Nicki Minaj to Emcee and Perform at 2023 MTV Video Music Awards

American-Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj is set to reprise her dual role from last year as emcee and performer for 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. 

The VMAs will air live from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. on Tuesday, September 12 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Last year, Minaj emceed the show with LL Cool J and Jack Harlow. She also performed a nine-song medley keyed to her receiving the Video Vanguard Award. 

This year, she’s flying solo as emcee and is performing her new single, “Last Time I Saw You.”

This marks the first time someone has fronted the show two years running since comedian Russell Brand did the honors in 2008-09.

Last year, in addition to serving as emcee and performer, Minaj won best hip-hop and received the Video Vanguard Award, which this year is set to go to Shakira.

Minaj has won six VMAs from 25 nominations. She has six nominations this year – artist of the year; video of the year, best hip-hop and best visual effects, all for “Super Freaky Girl”; best R&B for “Love in the Way”; and song of summer for “Barbie World” (a collab with Ice Spice that features Aqua).

The Queen of Rap has made VMA history in the past with iconic performances of her hits like “Anaconda” and by teaming up with fellow superstars including Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande, among others.

The 25-time VMA-nominated artist has six Moon Person nods to her name this year.

She is up for best hip-hop, best visual effects and video of the year for “Super Freaky Girl,” best R&B for her collaboration with Yung Bleu, “Love in the Way,” song of the summer for “Barbie World” with Ice Spice and even the top prize artist of the year. 

The rapper continues to have a big year, having recently announced her fifth studio album Pink Friday 2 and contributing the hit song “Barbie World” to the Barbie movie soundtrack earlier this summer.

The highly anticipated, upcoming release will be her first album since 2018’s "Queen" and is due out November 17. 

Minaj joins a stacked slate of previously announced performers including Anitta, Demi Lovato, Doja Cat, Karol G, Kelsea Ballerini, Lil Wayne, Måneskin, Olivia Rodrigo, and Stray Kids. 

Sean “Diddy” Combs and Shakira, who are being honored with the global icon award and video vanguard award, respectively, will also perform.