Awards
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Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav is a man of his word, and the rapper proved it on Wednesday night (Sept. 11) when he presented U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles with a very special custom neck piece. The veteran MC took the stage to hand out the first award at the 2024 MTV VMAs alongside the American athlete, […]
The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards have arrived! It’s all going down Wednesday night (Sept. 11) at New York’s UBS Arena, and Billboard will be on the red carpet and inside to follow along with all the performances, major moments and winners.
Speaking of winners, going into the night, Taylor Swift leads all nominees with 12 nods, and her “Fortnight” collaborator Post Malone is right behind with 11. Eminem is up next with eight nominations, while Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, Sabrina Carpenter and SZA have seven each and Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, GloRilla, LISA, Olivia Rodrigo and Teddy Swims have four.
But who will emerge the night’s big winner? Follow along with Billboard as we update our complete winners list live throughout the show.
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Video of the year
Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” – Republic Records
Billie Eilish – “Lunch” – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Doja Cat – “Paint the Town Red” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Eminem – “Houdini” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records
SZA – “Snooze” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records
Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records
Artist of the year
Ariana Grande – Republic Records
Bad Bunny – Rimas Entertainment
Eminem – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records
Sabrina Carpenter – Island
SZA – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records
Taylor Swift – Republic Records
Song of the year
Beyoncé – “Texas Hold ‘Em” – Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records
Jack Harlow – “Lovin on Me” – Generation Now / Atlantic Records
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us” – pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records
Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso” – Island
Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records
Teddy Swims – “Lose Control” – Warner Records
Best new artist
Chappell Roan – Island
Gracie Abrams – Interscope Records
Tyla – Epic Records
Best collaboration
Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA – “Rich Baby Daddy “ – OVO / Republic Records
GloRilla, Megan Thee Stallion – “Wanna Be” – CMG / Interscope Records
Jessie Murph feat. Jelly Roll – “Wild Ones” – Columbia Records
Jung Kook feat. Latto – “Seven” – BIGHIT MUSIC / Geffen Records
Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen – “I Had Some Help” – Mercury / Republic / Big Loud
Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records
Best pop
Camila Cabello – Geffen / Interscope Records
Dua Lipa – Warner Records
Olivia Rodrigo – Geffen Records
Sabrina Carpenter – Island
Tate McCrae – RCA Records
Taylor Swift – Republic Records
Best hip-hop
Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA – “Rich Baby Daddy “ – OVO / Republic Records
Eminem – “Houdini” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records
GloRilla – “Yeah Glo!” – CMG / Interscope Records
Gunna – “fukumean” – Young Stoner Life Records / 300 Entertainment
Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” – Hot Girl Productions
Travis Scott feat. Playboi Carti – “FE!N” – Cactus Jack / Epic Records
Best R&B
Alicia Keys – “Lifeline” – AK Records, under exclusive license to gamma.
Muni Long – “Made for Me” – Def Jam
SZA – “Snooze” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records
Tyla – “Water” – FAX Records / Epic Records
Usher, Summer Walker, 21 Savage – “Good Good” – mega / gamma.
Victoria Monét – “On My Mama” – Lovett Music / RCA Records
Best alternative
Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things” – Night Street Records, Inc. / Warner Records
Bleachers – “Tiny Moves” – Dirty Hit
Hozier – “Too Sweet” – Columbia Records
Imagine Dragons – “Eyes Closed” – KIDinaKorner / Interscope Records
Linkin Park – “Friendly Fire” – This Compilation / Warner Records
Teddy Swims – “Lose Control (Live)” – Warner Records
Best rock
Bon Jovi – “Legendary” – Island
Coldplay – “feelslikeimfallinginlove” – Atlantic Records
Green Day – “Dilemma” – Reprise Records / Warner Records
Kings of Leon – “Mustang” – Capitol Records
Lenny Kravitz – “Human” – ℗© 2024 Roxie Records Inc. under exclusive license to BMG Rights Management GmbH
U2 – “Atomic City” – Interscope Records
Best Latin
Anitta – “Mil Veces” – Floresta Records / Republic Records / Universal Music Latin Entertainment
Bad Bunny – “Monaco” – Rimas Entertainment
Karol G – “Mi Ex Tenía Razón” – Bichota / Interscope Records
Myke Towers – “LaLa” – Warner Music Latina
Peso Pluma & Anitta – “Bellakeo” – Double P Records
Rauw Alejandro – “Touching the Sky” – Sony Music Latin / Duars Entertainment
Shakira & Cardi B – “Puntería” – Sony Music US Latin
Best Afrobeats
Ayra Starr ft. Giveon – “Last Heartbreak Song” – Mavin / Republic
Burna Boy – “City Boys” – Spaceship / Bad Habit / Atlantic Records
Chris Brown ft. Davido & Lojay – “Sensational” – Chris Brown Entertainment / RCA Records
Tems – “Love Me JeJe” – Since ’93 / RCA Records
Tyla – “Water” – FAX Records / Epic Records
Usher, Pheelz – “Ruin” – mega / gamma.
Best K-pop
Jung Kook ft. Latto – “Seven” – BIGHIT MUSIC / Geffen Records
LISA – “Rockstar” – Lloud Co. / RCA Records
NCT Dream – “Smoothie” – SM Entertainment / Virgin Music Group
NewJeans – “Super Shy” – ADOR / Geffen Records
Stray Kids – “LALALALA” – JYP Entertainment / Imperial / Republic Records
TOMORROW X TOGETHER – “Deja vu” – BIGHIT MUSIC / IMPERIAL / Republic Records
Video for good
Alexander Stewart – “if you only knew” – FAE grp
Billie Eilish – “What Was I Made For (From Barbie)” – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Coldplay – “feelslikeimfallinginlove” – Atlantic Records
Joyner Lucas & Jelly Roll – “Best for Me” – Twenty Nine Music Group
RAYE – “Genesis.” – Human Re Sources
Tyler Childers – “In Your Love” – Hickman Holler Records / RCA Records
MTV push performance of the year
August 2023: Kaliii – “Area Codes” – Atlantic Records
September 2023: GloRilla – “Lick or Sum” – CMG / Interscope Records
October 2023: Benson Boone – “In The Stars” – Night Street Records, Inc. / Warner Records
November 2023: Coco Jones – “ICU” – Def Jam
December 2023: Victoria Monét – “On My Mama” – Lovett Music / RCA Records
January 2024: Jessie Murph – “Wild Ones” – Columbia Records
February 2024: Teddy Swims – “Lose Control” – Warner Records
March 2024: Chappell Roan – “Red Wine Supernova” – Island
April 2024: Flyana Boss – “yeaaa” – vnclm_/ Atlantic Records
May 2024: Laufey – “Goddess” – Laufey / AWAL
June 2024: LE SSERAFIM – “EASY” – SOURCE MUSIC / Geffen Records
July 2024: The Warning – “Automatic Sun” – Lava / Republic Records
VMAs Most Iconic Performance
Beyoncé – “Love on Top” (2011)
Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Madonna, Missy Elliott – “Like a Virgin” & “Hollywood” (2003)
Eminem – “The Real Slim Shady” & “The Way I Am” (2000)
Katy Perry – “Roar” (2013)
Lady Gaga – “Paparazzi” (2009)
Madonna – “Like a Virgin” (1984)
Taylor Swift – “You Belong With Me” (2009)
Best Trending Video
Beyoncé – “Texas Hold ‘Em” – Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records
Camila Cabello feat. Playboi Carti – “I Luv It” – Geffen / Interscope Records
Chappell Roan – “Hot to Go!” – Amusement Records / Island Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.
Charli XCX – “Apple” – Atlantic Records
Megan Thee Stallion feat. Yuki Chiba – “Mamushi” – Hot Girl Productions
Tinashe – “Nasty” – Nice Life Recording Company
Best Group
*NSYNC – RCA Records
Coldplay – Atlantic Records
Imagine Dragons – KIDinaKorner / Interscope Records
NCT Dream – SM Entertainment / Virgin Music Group
NewJeans – ADOR / Geffen Records
SEVENTEEN – PLEDIS Entertainment / Geffen Records
TOMORROW X TOGETHER – BIGHIT MUSIC / IMPERIAL / Republic Records
Twenty One Pilots – Fueled By Ramen
Song of Summer
Ariana Grande – “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” – Republic Records
Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things” – Night Street Records, Inc. / Warner Records
Billie Eilish – “Birds of a Feather” – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Chappell Roan – “Good Luck, Babe!” – Amusement Records / Island Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.
Charli XCX & Billie Eilish – “Guess featuring Billie Eilish” – Atlantic Records
Eminem – “Houdini” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records
Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar – “Like That” – Wilburn Holding Co. / Boominati / Epic / Republic
GloRilla, Megan Thee Stallion – “Wanna Be” – CMG / Interscope Records
Hozier – “Too Sweet” – Columbia Records
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us” – pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records
Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen – “I Had Some Help” – Mercury / Republic / Big Loud
Sabrina Carpenter – “Please Please Please” – Island
Shaboozey – “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – American Dogwood / EMPIRE
SZA – “Saturn” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records
Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records
Tommy Richman – “Million Dollar Baby” – ISO Supremacy / PULSE Records / Concord
Best direction
Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” – Republic Records; directed by Christian Breslauer
Bleachers – “Tiny Moves” – Dirty Hit; directed by Alex Lockett & Margaret Qualley
Eminem – “Houdini” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records; directed by Rich Lee
Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” – Hot Girl Productions; directed by Daniel Iglesias Jr.
Sabrina Carpenter – “Please Please Please” – Island; directed by Barbia Zeinali
Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records; directed by Taylor Swift
Best cinematography
Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” – Republic Records; cinematography by Anatol Trofimov
Charli XCX – “Von dutch” – Atlantic Records; cinematography by Jeff Bierman
Dua Lipa – “Illusion” – Warner Records; cinematography by Nikita Nuzmenko
Olivia Rodrigo – “obsessed” – Geffen Records; cinematography by Marz Miller
Rauw Alejandro – “Touching the Sky” – Sony Music Latin / Duars Entertainment; cinematography by Camilo Monsalve
Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records; cinematography by Rodrigo Prieto
Best editing
Anitta – “Mil Veces” – Floresta Records / Republic Records / Universal Music Latin Entertainment; editing by Nick Yumul
Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” – Republic Records; editing by Luis Caraza Peimbert
Eminem – “Houdini” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records; editing by David Checel
LISA – “Rockstar” – Lloud Co. / RCA Records; editing by Nik Kohler
Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso” – Island; editing by Jai Shukla
Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records; editing by Chancler Haynes
Best choreography
Bleachers – Tiny Moves – Dirty Hit; choreography by Margaret Qualley
Dua Lipa – “Houdini” – Warner Records; choreography by Charm La’Donna
LISA – “Rockstar” – Lloud Co. / RCA Records; choreography by Sean Bankhead
Rauw Alejandro – “Touching the Sky” – Sony Music Latin / Duars Entertainment – Choreography by Felix ‘Fefe’ Burgos
Tate McCrae – “Greedy” – RCA Records; choreography by Sean Bankhead
Troye Sivan – “Rush” – Capitol Records; choreography by Sergio Reis, Mauro Van De Kerkof
Best visual effects
Ariana Grande – “the boy is mine” – Republic Records; visual effects by Digital Axis
Eminem – “Houdini” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records; visual effects by Synapse Virtual Production, Louise Lee, Rich Lee, Metaphysic, Flawless Post
Justin Timberlake – “Selfish” – RCA Records; visual effects by Candice Dragonas
Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” – Hot Girl Productions; visual effects by Mathematic
Olivia Rodrigo – “get him back!” – Geffen Records; visual effects by Cooper Vacheron, Preston Mohr, Karen Arakelian, Justin Johnson
Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records; visual effects by Parliament
Best art direction
Charli XCX – “360” – Atlantic Records; art direction by Grace Surnow
LISA – “Rockstar” – Lloyd Co. / RCA Records; art direction byPongsan Thawatwichian
Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” – Hot Girl Productions; art direction by Brittany Porter
Olivia Rodrigo – “bad idea right?” – Geffen Records; art direction by Nichaolas des Jardins
Sabrina Carpenter – “Please Please Please” – Island; art direction by Nicholas des Jardins
Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records; art direction by Ethan Tobman
From Chappell Roan to Sabrina Carpenter, Megan Thee Stallion and beyond, more than a dozen major performers are ready and hot to go for the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards. Hosted by the “Hiss” rapper, this year’s VMAs will celebrate the award show’s 40th birthday with a live ceremony at New York’s UBS Arena Wednesday […]
And then there were three. On Wednesday (Sept. 11), MTV announced the three finalists for best new artist: Chappell Roan, Gracie Abrams and Tyla.
That means the road ends here for the other three previously announced candidates for the award: Benson Boone, Shaboozey and Teddy Swims.
Abrams is the only one of these six artists who has not had a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Abrams’ highest charting hit, “Us” (featuring Taylor Swift), reached No. 36. Abrams was the opening act for numerous dates on Swift’s Eras Tour in the U.S. and Canada. She co-wrote “Us” with Swift and Aaron Dessner, and co-produced it with those two musicians and also Jack Antonoff.
Ironically, the three artists who did not advance to the final round had the highest charting Hot 100 hits of these six performers. Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is currently in its ninth week at No. 1. Swims’ “Lose Control” hit No. 1 in March, while Boone’s “Beautiful Things” reached No. 2 in March.
Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” climbed as high as No. 6 in August. Tyla’s “Water reached No. 7 in January.
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Looking for clues about the upcoming Grammy race for best new artist? Of the three VMA finalists for best new artist, Roan is the only one who will be eligible in the upcoming Grammy contest. Abrams was nominated for best new artist at the Grammys in February. Tyla won a Grammy in February in another category, best African music performance, which makes her ineligible.
The 2024 VMAs will air live on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT across MTV’s global footprint, including BET, BET Her, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV, MTV2, Nick at Nite, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land, VH1 and Univision.
Voting for best new artist will continue at vote.mtv.com into the show and, for the first time by an awards show, via WhatsApp through QR code or direct link found on the website.
Hosted by Nessa, Dometi Pongo and Kevan Kenney, the 90-minute live VMAs pre-show special airs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, MTV2, CMT and Logo.
Bruce Gillmer and Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic are executive producers. 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.
Here are the VMA best new artist finalists.
Chappell Roan – Island
Gracie Abrams – Interscope Records
Tyla – Epic Records
Whoopi Goldberg weighed in on the conversation surrounding Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album and its lack of nominations at the 2024 CMA Awards, offering a pragmatic take.
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While many have expressed disappointment over the “snub”, Goldberg believes it wasn’t a case of being overlooked. “A lot of people are surprised — I don’t know why — that it didn’t receive a single CMA Award nomination,” Goldberg stated on The View.
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“I don’t think she was snubbed, I think they just didn’t… it wasn’t for them.”
Goldberg’s perspective comes as part of a larger conversation sparked by the Cowboy Carter album, which marks Beyoncé’s foray into country music. Released in March, the album has performed remarkably well, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 – her eighth record to do so – and staying on the Top Country Albums chart for an entire month.
Despite the album’s commercial success, the country music industry has been slow to embrace it fully, a sentiment echoed by some of Goldberg’s cohosts.
Sunny Hostin expressed her surprise at the lack of recognition for two tracks in particular: Beyoncé’s reimagining of Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene” and the original song “Texas Hold ‘Em.”
“I thought she would at least get nominated for those two,” Hostin said, referencing how even Parton herself had given Beyoncé her blessing to cover “Jolene,” even appearing on the track to introduce it.
“But, my mother always told me, ‘Find the audience that’s looking for you.’ This audience isn’t looking for her,” Hostin concluded.
Alyssa Farah Griffin chimed in, pointing out that while industry insiders might not have been supportive, fans certainly were. “The Country Billboard charts do not lie,” she added. However, Goldberg reminded her that fans and voters don’t always see eye to eye.
Sara Haines rounded out the discussion by pointing out that awards aren’t necessarily the ultimate validation, remarking, “The best revenge is success.”
The conversation on The View follows comments made by Beyoncé’s father, Mathew Knowles, who has been vocal about his disappointment with the CMA Awards.
In an interview with TMZ, Knowles said, “There’s more white people in America and unfortunately they don’t vote based on ability and achievements. It’s still sometimes a white and Black thing.”
Knowles also referenced Beyoncé’s controversial performance with the Dixie Chicks at the 2016 CMAs, noting that the show never properly acknowledged her contribution.
Though the Cowboy Carter snub left many puzzled, the album’s chart performance speaks volumes. It dominated the Billboard 200 for two weeks and made Beyoncé the first Black woman to top the Hot Country Songs chart with “Texas Hold ‘Em.”
The album boasts a diverse lineup of billed guest artists, including Tanner Adell, Beyoncé’s daughter Rumi Carter, Miley Cyrus, Willie Jones, Tiera Kennedy, Linda Martell, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Post Malone, Reyna Roberts, Shaboozey and Brittney Spencer.
Among the many additional players on the album: 070 Shake, Jon Batiste, Ryan Beatty, Gary Clark Jr., The-Dream, Rhiannon Giddens, Paul McCartney, Pharrell, Robert Randolph, Nile Rodgers, Raphael Saadiq, Sara Watkins and Stevie Wonder.
The MTV VMAs are looking pretty good for 40. They have a red-hot host, Megan Thee Stallion; a highly credible show-opener, Eminem; and a cast of performers that includes two of the buzziest artists of the year, Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan.
The 2024 VMAs are set to air live on Wednesday (Sept. 11) at 8 p.m. ET/PT from New York’s UBS Arena. Katy Perry, who won video of the year for “Firework” in 2011 and hosted the show in 2017, is set to receive the Video Vanguard Award and also perform a hit medley. (She’s the first person in VMA history to host, win video of the year and get the Vanguard – the MTV trifecta.)
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Presenters include Cyndi Lauper, who won a Moon Man for best female video at the very first VMAs on Sept. 14, 1984. (The show is now more woke: The award is now referred to as a Moon Person all categories are gender-neutral.) Carson Daly is also set to present. Daly hosted MTV’s popular TRL from 1998 to 2003, back when the channel still played music videos instead of endless reruns of Ridiculousness and Catfish.
Eminem will open the show just weeks after his latest album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace), became his 11th album to enter the Billboard 200 at No. 1. Just this week, his 2005 hits compilation Curtain Call: The Hits became the first hip-hop album ever to log 700 weeks on the Billboard 200.
Eminem landed eight nominations this year. His smash “Houdini,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, is up for six awards, including video of the year and song of the summer. In addition, Eminem is nominated for artist of the year and VMAs most iconic performance for his 2000 performance (joined by 100+ Eminem lookalikes) of “The Real Slim Shady” and “The Way I Am.”
If Eminem wins in just one of the eight categories, he will break out of a tie with Peter Gabriel for the most wins by a male artist in the show’s history (13).
Taylor Swift leads all artists with 12 nods this year. If she wins five or more, she’ll pull ahead of Beyoncé as the artist with the most VMAs in history. Bey currently has 27, followed by Swift (23), Madonna (20) and Lady Gaga (18).
Teddy Swims and Jessie Murph are set to make their VMA debuts by performing on the Extended Play Stage. Le Sserafim will make their U.S. award show debut by performing on the VMAs pre-show.
General fan voting closed Friday (Sept. 6) on MTV’s website. Voting for best new artist remains active through the show.
With the addition of social categories, Swift still leads in terms of most nominations (12), followed by Post Malone (11), Eminem (eight), Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, Sabrina Carpenter + SZA (seven each); Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, GloRilla, LISA, Olivia Rodrigo + Teddy Swims (four each).
Swift and Malone are not scheduled to perform, nor are such other heavily-nominated artists as Grande, SZA, Boone and Eilish.
The 2024 VMAs will air live on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT across MTV’s global footprint, including BET, BET Her, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV, MTV2, Nick at Nite, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land, VH1 and Univision.
Hosted by Nessa, Dometi Pongo and Kevan Kenney, the 90-minute live VMAs pre-show special airs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, MTV2, CMT and Logo.
Bruce Gillmer and Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic are executive producers. 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.
Here are all the performers and presenters for the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.
Performers
Anitta (feat. Fat Joe, DJ Khaled + Tiago PZK)
Benson Boone
Camila Cabello
Chappell Roan
Eminem
GloRilla
Halsey
Jessie Murph (Extended Play stage)
KAROL G
Katy Perry (Video Vanguard Award)
Le Sserafim (pre-show)
Lenny Kravitz
LISA
LL COOL J
Megan Thee Stallion (also host)
Rauw Alejandro
Sabrina Carpenter
Shawn Mendes
Teddy Swims (Extended Play stage)
Presenters
Addison Rae
Alessandra Ambrosio
Amelia Dimoldenberg
Big Sean
Busta Rhymes
Cyndi Lauper
Damiano David (Måneskin)
DANNA
DJ Khaled
Fat Joe
Flavor Flav
French Montana
Halle Bailey
Jordan Chiles
Lil Nas X
Miranda Lambert
Naomi Scott
Paris Hilton
Suki Waterhouse
Thalía
Tinashe
When Beyoncé was not among the artists nominated for a CMA Award on Monday (Sept. 9), despite being the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Top Country Albums with Cowboy Carter and Hot Country Songs chart with “Texas Hold ‘Em,” it immediately raised questions about country music’s ongoing troubled relationship with Black artists, the CMA Awards’ nominating process and whether or not Beyoncé’s team had even submitted her music, given her complicated history with the country community and the CMA Awards.
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Let’s answer the last question first: It turns out they didn’t need to submit.
Unlike many other awards shows, labels, artists and their teams do not submit entries for the CMA Awards. Instead, the roughly 6,600 voting members each receive a write-in ballot to list their choices. Each member can make one nomination per award category. Therefore, Beyoncé’s label or team did not need to submit her to be eligible. The exception is the single of the year category, which is a pre-populated drop-down list of all qualifying top 10 singles from the country charts noted in the criteria. The write-in ballots are tabulated and the top 20 vote recipients in each category end up on the second ballot, with the exception of entertainer of the year, which consists of the Top 15 vote recipients.
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Additionally, all second-ballot candidates are reviewed by CMA, record label representatives, and the CMA Awards & Recognition committee to ensure that all they meet the criteria for each award. The award criteria is based on release dates, chart activity, and consumption peaks that occurred during the eligibility period (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024). The second ballot is sent to the CMA voters, and each member can vote for up to 5 candidates in each category. CMA does not reveal the write-in ballot nominations or confirm whether any specific artist or work appeared on the second ballot.
Though Billboard has not yet viewed a full second-round ballot, Billboard viewed a screen shot for the second ballot for song of the year that does not include “Texas Hold ‘Em.”
Beyoncé’s exclusion “doesn’t surprise me,” says one Nashville executive, who wished to remain anonymous. “There was really only one single from the album that did anything. She really didn’t embrace the genre, unlike what Post Malone has done with his album.” “Texas Hold ‘Em” peaked at No. 33 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.
Post Malone received four nominations for “I Had Some Help,” his duet with Morgan Wallen, that was a four-week No. 1 on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart and is featured on his Top 200 and Top Country Albums chart-topping album, F-1 Trillion. Post Malone infiltrated the local music scene, spending months in Nashville working with top songwriters, recording the album in Nashville and popping up at many venues to play live.
However, another Nashville executive, who also asked to remain anonymous, said they were “shocked” that Beyoncé’s work received no nominations, “given the credit to new Black creators and Linda Martell.” Cowboy Carter, in addition to Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, featured Martell, the first Black woman to play the Grand Ole Opry in 1969, and a number of rising Black artists, including Brittney Spencer, Tanner Adell, Reyna Reynolds, Tiera Kennedy, Willie Jones and Shaboozey.
Shaboozey, who received two nominations for new artist of the year and single of the year for “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” took to Instagram and X to express his thanks for being nominated, but also thanked Beyoncé, posting “Thank you @Beyonce for opening a door for us, starting a conversation, and giving us one of the most innovative country albums of all time!”
Country artist Rissi Palmer, who also hosts Apple Music’s “Color Me Country” radio show, said what many others expressed on social media when she posted on X, “Well… these noms set a really interesting precedent. The message is extremely loud.” She later posted, “I think that a larger conversation should be had about the fact that no other Black woman or woman of color could even qualify for certain CMA awards, and why that is.” The single of the year category is the only category that requires reaching a certain chart position in order to be eligible. Earlier this year, the CMA Awards eliminated the requirement for song of the year.
In June, three months after the March 29 release of Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé provided a lengthy statement to The Hollywood Reporter about the project and its reception. “When you are breaking down barriers, not everyone is ready and open for a shift. But when I see Shaboozey tearing the charts up and all the beautiful female country singers flying to new heights, inspiring the world, that is exactly what motivates me,” she said. ““I’m honored to introduce so many people to the roots of so many genres. I’m so thrilled that my fans trusted me. The music industry gatekeepers are not happy about the idea of bending genres, especially coming from a Black artist and definitely not a woman.”
In 2016, Beyoncé’s performance of “Daddy Issues” at the CMA Awards with The Chicks (then still the Dixie Chicks), a number of commenters on social media supported the appearance, while others made unwelcoming comments.
In March, shortly before Cowboy Carter’s release, Beyoncé posted on Instagram that the album was “born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed… and it was very clear that I wasn’t,” she said, although she did not specifically cite the CMA Awards appearance. “But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive.”
Beyoncé’s representative did not respond to a request for comment and the CMA declined to comment.
It’s late Monday (Sept. 9) night at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, and Bruce Gillmer, who is executive producing the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards alongside Jesse Ignjatovic, is hustling from one rehearsal to another.
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“We’ve been going since Saturday,” says Gillmer of the preparations to throw what will be the 40th anniversary of MTV’s signature award show on Wednesday (Sept 11). On Monday, Gillmer and his team rehearsed with the rapper LL COOL J. “He’s a legendary MTV artist returning to the stage to celebrate a milestone of one of hip-hop’s most groundbreaking labels: Def Jam,” he reveals of the tribute to the label which also celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, before teasing: “He may even bring some friends along.”
In the past four decades, the VMAs have stayed steady as a culture-moving, irreverent event, frequently sending shockwaves around the music world. (Kanye West interrupts Taylor Swift! Miley Cyrus twerks! Britney Spears and Madonna kiss!) But while music videos used to be in heavy rotation on the network, these days the only time a video may air on MTV is during the annual show. Nevertheless, the ceremony has managed to soldier on despite changing consumption habits (certain award categories have dropped the keyword “video,” and some voting takes place over Instagram Stories) and societal norms (its signature trophy the Moon Man is now the Moon Person).
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“This might be the biggest scale production we’ve ever done,” says Gillmer of 2024’s iteration, which will acknowledge the four-decade milestone. “We’re going to be revisiting some of the show’s most iconic moments that made the VMAs the pop culture beast it is today,” he explains. That includes harkening back to its debut on Sept. 14th, 1984. (Hosts: Dan Aykroyd and Bette Midler; video of the year: “You Might Think” by The Cars). “One of the look backs will be at that first show from Radio City Music Hall,” says Gillmer. “It’s a homecoming of sorts, so we’ll celebrate turning 40 by flashing back to moments on stage and screen.”
The homecoming comes in the form of the production setting up shop at UBS Arena after a stint in New Jersey last year, which marks the seventh overall VMAs in the tri-state area. (For those counting, its last west coast production occurred in 2017 when Katy Perry hosted from The Forum in Inglewood, Calif.)
Straddling the border of New York City and Long Island, UBS opened in November 2021 (Harry Styles was its first musical performer). According to Gillmer, UBS was a natural choice. “It has top notch acoustics, world class tech capabilities and excellent sightlines,” he says of the arena which normally hosts NHL’s New York Islanders. “It really is built for music and allowed us to create one of our most ambitious set-ups yet.” In addition to the main stage, there will be four performance stages including what they’re dubbing a ‘fandom’ stage built into the audience. “Wait until you see how we used the Moon Person as part of our set design,” he teases. “It’s literally busting out of the screen, into the audience.” Ever the production aficionado, Gillmer can’t help but gush about the stage rigging. “I’m told we’re up to 400,000 lbs.,” he says. “The heaviest VMAs yet! I’m blown away every time I walk into the room and can’t wait for everyone to see all the ‘wow’ factors we packed into the live show.”
Much like an eclectic playlist meant to please everybody at the party, this year’s roster of performers zigzags between past and present names. In one corner, you have your MTV legends: the aforementioned LL COOL J, as well as Katy Perry who is set to take the stage to accept the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award (the show’s version of the lifetime achievement award). “We also just announced Eminem will be our show opener,” says Gillmer of the legendary rapper.
But it wouldn’t be the VMAs without tapping into buzzy newcomers for possible superstar-making performances. Luckily for the producers, the past year has minted a variety of fresh talent. “(Since) the show always spotlights artists with the biggest impact over the last 12 months, Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter were two names we unquestionably had to have this year,” Gillmer says of snagging two of 2024’s biggest breakouts (the former had to shake up her schedule to facilitate her VMA debut). “Sabrina blew us all away with last year’s pre-show performance.”
Other first-time VMA performers this year include two artists riding breakout singles, Benson Boone (“Beautiful Things,” which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100) and Teddy Swims (“Lose Control,” which topped the Hot 100), as well as VMA stalwarts with new albums, including Shawn Mendes (his fifth album, Shawn, drops Oct. 18) and Camila Cabello (promoting C,XOXO which came out this summer). K-pop superstar Lisa, Brazil’s Anitta and Puerto Rico’s Rauw Alejandro will also perform.
There’s also Megan Thee Stallion, who this year serves as the ceremony’s host and continues the trend of recruiting an artist to host the ceremony (Nicki Minaj and Doja Cat have both enjoyed recent honors). According to Gillmer, the gig came after plans for a more traditional role for the star. “We actually started talking about her performance on 2024’s show first after her VMAs debut alongside Cardi B last year,” recalls Gillmer. “Our conversation evolved from there. It was easy to see she was a perfect fit: she’s quintessential MTV and is leading (her) genre. Megan is this rare artist who has an unmatched presence and dynamic personality that allows you to dominate a performance and then carry on an extraordinary event like this.”
For months, everything was booked, set and scheduled for the show to kick off Tuesday, Sept. 10. Then, a curveball: in August, the date of the first (and possibly only) Presidential Debate of the 2024 election cycle between Vice President Harris and former President Trump was announced to take place that same night. Gillmer and his team knew they wanted to steer clear.
“With our brand’s decades-long history of leading non-partisan civic engagement, it was important to encourage our fans to tune in to the debate to help make educated decisions ahead of a historic election,” he says. With that, the team went into overdrive shifting their plans by a full 24 hours, with this year’s show moving to Sept. 11. “With the date shift, it again gave us the opportunity to partner with our friends at 9/11 Day to amplify their September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance with tickets to Tuesday’s Children,” says Gillmer of the long-standing association with the charity.
Aside from streaming on Paramount+, the VMAs air on BET, BET Her, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV, MTV2, Nick at Nite, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land and VH1, with a rebroadcast to follow. “We’re also airing a live, hosted simulcast on Univision with entertainment reporter Alejandra Espinoza who is bringing audiences in on exclusive show access and rehearsal features from some of the top Latin talent,” Gillmer says.
In any case, Gillmer is bracing for the unexpected: “Anything can happen live on Wednesday.”
Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Lady A, Parker McCollum and The War and Treaty have been added as performers for the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards, which will air Thursday, Sept. 26, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and Peacock. Kane Brown, who is set to receive the Country Champion Award, and Miranda Lambert, who is set to receive the Country Icon Award, had already been announced as performers.
The two-hour show, hosted by Shania Twain, will air live from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. A two-hour red-carpet pre-show, Live From E!: People’s Choice Country Awards, will kick off the night at 6 p.m. ET/PT on E!.
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Ballerini, Lady A and The War and Treaty received CMA Awards nominations in key categories on Monday (Sept. 9). Ballerini is nominated for female vocalist of the year, Lady A for vocal group of the year, and The War and Treaty for vocal duo of the year. A strong performance on the People’s Choice Country Awards could conceivably help them in the CMA voting. (CMA final-round voting opens on Tuesday, Oct. 1, five days after the People’s Choice Country Awards, and extends for four weeks.)
Additionally, Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay, Little Big Town and comedian Nate Bargatze have been announced as presenters. Additional names will be announced.
A limited number of show tickets and VIP packages are available now at Opry.com.
People’s Choice Country Awards is produced by Den of Thieves. Jesse Ignjatovic, Evan Prager and Barb Bialkowski will executive produce along with RAC Clark as executive producer and showrunner.
The pre-show is produced by Den of Thieves with executive producers Ignjatovic, Prager and Bialkowski.
Here are all the performers and presenters that have been announced. This will be updated when additional names are announced.
Performers
Kane Brown
Keith Urban
Kelsea Ballerini
Lady A
Miranda Lambert
Parker McCollum
The War and Treaty
Presenters
Carly Pearce
Dan + Shay
Little Big Town
Nat Bargatze
The first edition of the Billboard Arabia Music Awards (BBAMAs) is set for Dec. 11 at the iconic KAFD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The awards show is part of the first-ever Riyadh Music Week, an initiative bringing together the global music community for a series of music festivals and events.
Billboard Arabia has become the ultimate destination for discovering Arab artists, with the awards show celebrating a year of music milestones and achievements, including the launch of its flagship charts and other initiatives. The BBAMAs will honor trailblazers and rising stars with awards across a wide range of categories, including top artist, female artist and male artist, along with the year’s hottest songs and more.
Unlike other music award shows, BBAMA winners will be selected based on their ranking on Billboard Arabia’s flagship charts, including the Hot 100 and Artist 100, as well as the newly launched dialect charts – Khaleeji, Egyptian, Levantine and Magharebi – and genre-specific charts – Arabic Hip-Hop, Arabic Indie, Shelat and Mahraganat. Billboard Arabia’s Charts follow the well-established parameters set by the Billboard brand over the last eight decades.
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In addition to recognizing the top artists and music of the year, the BBAMAs will showcase Saudi Arabia and the region’s diverse talent through live performances and surprise collaborations, featuring both established and emerging artists. It will also include performances from some of the biggest international artists.
“In just one year, Billboard Arabia has become the fastest-growing music platform that truly reflects the preferences of millions of music fans and followers across the globe,” Jomana R. Alrashid, CEO of SRMG, said in a statement. “Through the support of the Saudi Music Commission, part of the Ministry of Culture, and SRMG’s strategic partnership with Billboard, this significantly strengthens our ability to spotlight Arab artists to bring their work to global audiences and grow the region’s vibrant music industry.”
Rami M. Zeidan, managing director of Billboard Arabia, said: “I am proud to announce the first edition of the Billboard Arabia Music Awards. As one of the fastest growing music hubs, Riyadh is the perfect location to celebrate the achievements of Arab artists around the world. Audiences will experience the diversity of Arab music firsthand through live performances. They will see their favorite artists like never before. This is what BBAMAs are all about: ensuring that Arab artists, their music and their stories receive the well-deserved recognition both regionally and globally.”
Billboard Arabia, a pioneering platform at the intersection of culture and music, celebrates the artistry and diversity of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Launched as a partnership between SRMG, the largest integrated media group from the MENA region, and Billboard, the world’s most influential music media brand, its mission is to redefine the global music landscape.
Mike Van, president of Billboard, stated: “We are proud to bring the Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) to Riyadh. The show remains the preeminent music event worldwide. The BBMAs celebrate and recognize musical talent and chart achievements and we’re thrilled to extend this legacy and vision to the MENA region, highlighting the musical excellence of Arab artists. This show will not only celebrate artists’ commercial success, but also highlight their real impact on the music industry. The focus is on spotlighting artists and the evolving music landscape. Winning at the Billboard Music Awards is not just about one night; it represents an important moment elevating artists toward sustained success in their careers. This year, with the launch of the Billboard Arabia Music Awards, we are applying the same metric-based methodology to showcase Arab artists who have resonated most with music fans worldwide.”
Billboard Arabia was launched in June 2023 to spotlight Arab artists and their stories on a global stage. Since then, it has introduced several iconic Billboard franchises to the MENA region, including Billboard Arabia News, Women in Music and Charts. These initiatives have established the necessary infrastructure to help both established and new artists reach wider audiences. Billboard Arabia has also developed several unique IPs that further highlight the Arab voices, including its exclusive studio session series, Jalsat Billboard Arabia, and its groundbreaking initiative, Sounds of the Land.
Performances and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks. For more updates and news, visit billboardarabia.com.