2024 VMAs to Be Simulcast Live on Univision
Written by djfrosty on August 27, 2024
MTV and TelevisaUnivision will partner for the second consecutive year with a live, hosted simulcast of the 2024 VMAs on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Univision, the most-watched network among U.S. Hispanics. An encore presentation of the awards show will air on UniMás at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT.
This is a reversal of what transpired last year, when the live simulcast aired on UniMás at 8 p.m. ET and the encore presentation aired on Univision at 11:30 p.m. ET. This platform flip portends a much bigger live audience this year, given Univision’s greater reach.
Univision will bring exclusive show access to its audience, with original, in-show commentary from entertainment host and reporter Alejandra Espinoza throughout the three-hour broadcast, live from New York’s UBS Arena.
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“We’re excited to build on last year’s unique and enormously successful partnership with TelevisaUnivision,” Bruce Gillmer, president of music, music talent, programming & events, Paramount and chief content officer, Music, Paramount+, said in a statement. “Together, we were able to reach the largest live Spanish-speaking audience in VMAs history and deliver +29% [year-over-year] ratings growth. We look forward to celebrating the world’s top artists, including some of the biggest Latin superstars, with our fans around the globe.”
“TelevisaUnivision is excited to partner with Paramount for the second consecutive year to bring the VMAs to our audience,” said Ignacio Meyer, president of U.S. Networks at TelevisaUnivision. “Latin music’s rising influence on mainstream culture is undeniable. We’re proud to be the exclusive Spanish-language home in the U.S. for this year’s award show, offering viewers an in-language, front-row seat to this celebration.”
MTV calls this year’s show the “most global VMAs in show history.” The show will have three Latin performers — Anitta, Karol G and Rauw Alejandro, plus Camila Cabello, who has Latin roots. (The show has also booked K-Pop star LISA.)
Latin and Latin pop crossover music has been an important part of the performance mix on VMA broadcasts since 2018. Last year, four Latin artists performed on the show – Shakira (as part of her Video Vanguard award presentation), Karol G, Peso Pluma and Anitta (the latter both solo and in tandem with K-pop stars TOMORROW X TOGETHER).
Prior to that, in 2022, J Balvin (with Ryan Castro), Anitta and Bad Bunny performed. In 2021, Ozuna, Cabello and Tainy (in tandem with Shawn Mendes) represented Latin music. In 2020, Maluma, CNCO and Nicky Jam (in tandem with Black Eyed Peas and Tyga) did the honors. In 2019, CNCO (in the pre-show), Cabello (with Mendes), Rosalía and Ozuna (in a joint performance) and J Balvin and Bad Bunny (also in a joint performance) all performed. In 2018, Jennifer Lopez (receiving a Video Vanguard award) and Maluma performed.
Anitta is this year’s top Latin nominee, with three nods – best Latin and best editing for “Mil Veces” and another nod for best Latin for “BELLAKEO.” Bad Bunny and Alejandro each have two nods. Bad Bunny is nominated for artist of the year and best Latin for “MONACO” Alejandro is nominated for best Latin and best cinematography for “Touching the Sky.” Karol G, Shakira, Cardi B and Myke Towers each have one nod.
Bruce Gillmer and Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic are executive producers of the 2024 VMAs. Barb Bialkowski is co-executive producer. Alicia Portugal and Jackie Barba are executives in charge of production. Wendy Plaut is executive in charge of celebrity talent. Lisa Lauricella is music talent executive.