2023 MTV VMAS: Performance Photos, Backstage Pics & More

The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards took over the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Tuesday (Sept. 12) night.

The 2023 VMAs were a huge night for music, with iconic boy band *NSYNC — yes, all of them, Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, Lance Bass and Chris Kirkpatrick — reuniting on stage to present a VMA Moon Person, which just happened to go to global superstar Taylor Swift.

“I had your dolls!” Swift told the group incredulously after winning the best pop VMA for “Anti-Hero.” “You’re pop personified, so to receive this from your golden pop hands is really too much.”

They were far from the only stars present. Nicki Minaj was on hand to emcee and perform a medley at the event and Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion swung through to give their collab “Bongos” its live debut. Additionally, Demi Lovato rocked the hell out, Shakira gave a jaw-dropping, career-spanning performance ahead of receiving the video vanguard award, and Olivia Rodrigo pulled off a fake-out stage malfunction.

Anitta, Stray Kids, Diddy, Lil Wayne, Peso Pluma, Metro Boomin (with friends) were also present, as was a coterie of hip-hop royalty who helped celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop on the VMAs stage with a multi-performer medley — one of many events this year commemorating #HipHop50 — honoring the genre’s roots, history and impact.

Check out some of the best photos from the 2023 VMAs here — everything from backstage shots to performance pics to onstage snaps of presenters and more.