Nicki Minaj to Receive the Video Vanguard Award at 2022 MTV VMAs

Mar. 15, 2025

Nicki Minaj.Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

The “Super Bass” rapper is set to receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2022 VMAs, where she will also perform for the first time since 2018.

Minaj, 39, joins an esteemed list of previous recipients that includesMadonna, Janet Jackson,Jennifer Lopez, LL Cool J andMissy Elliott.

“Nicki has broken barriers for women in hip-hop with her versatility and creative artistry,” Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+, said in a statement. “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 star, whose new single “Super Freaky Girl” is due out on Friday, has been nominated for 17 VMAs over the years and has five wins under her belt, the first of which came in 2011 for best hip-hop video. She is nominated at this year’s show for best hip-hop.

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Minaj performed on the main stage for the first time in 2012, and has since sung with everyone from Alicia Keys andAriana Grandeto Usher,Taylor SwiftandKaty Perry.

The star’s most recent studio album,Queen, was released in 2018, and she has been teasing album No. 5 in recent months.

Her performance joins a star-studded list of previously announced performances that includes Anitta, J Balvin, Marshmello x Khalid and Panic! at the Disco.

Trailing closely behind areHarry StylesandDoja Cat(who served as last year’s host) with six each, andBillie Eilish,Drake, Dua Lipa,Ed SheeranTaylor SwiftandThe Weekndwith five.

Fans can votefor their favorites across 22 gender-neutral categories including video of the year, artist of the year, best collaboration and more through Aug. 19.

The show will take place on Sunday, Aug. 28 at 8 p.m. ET at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.

source: people.com