The MTV Video Music Awards are headed back to television screens across the country with more queer talent than ever being honored with esteemed nominations in several categories.
So far details about the event have been pretty hush-hush. Specifics like potential hosts, presenters, and a complete list of performances are still being kept under wraps.
What we do know is that for the first time since 2018, Nicki Minaj will perform live at the VMAs and will be the recipient of the covet Video Vanguard Award.
Additionally, Kane Brown will make VMAs history by becoming the first-ever male country artist to appear at the show.
Get to know all of this year’s nominated artists representing the LGBTQ+ community through their music:
Lil Nas X
No stranger to the VMA stage, Lil Nas X keeps the hits coming. In fact, last year the artist took home Video of the Year.
This year, however, he continues to lead in the nominations with his hit “Industry Baby” featuring Jack Harlow is up for six awards including Best Collaboration and Best Video of the Year. Additionally, Nas has been nominated for Best Artist.
Cardi B
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Not only is Cardi B performing at this year’s VMAs but her song alongside Normani called, “Wild Side” is up for award grabs with three nominations including Best R&B.
Cardi is also nominated in the same category with her other hit with Summer Walker and SZA on “No Love (Extended Version)”
Dove Cameron
Dove Cameron’s debut single ”Boyfriend” was arguably the Song of the Summer. Not only was it her first hit since her Disney days but it also became a queer anthem of sorts. Cameron recently came out as queer and is a favorite to take home the award for Best New Artist at the VMA’s this year.
Elton John
The legendary pop star, Elton John proves everything gets better with age. He is nominated this year for both song of the year and best collaboration for “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix),” his hit collab with Dua Lipa.
John pulled a similar trick at the first ever VMA awards in 1984 as he was double nominated for “I’m Still Standing,” which was up for best choreography in a video and best editing in a video.
Anitta
Hailing from Brazil, Anitta competes for her first-ever VMA this year. The bisexual Latin singer hopes to win with her reggaeton single, “Envolver.” Not only that, it was also announced she would be one of the performers at this year’s event.
Panic! at the Disco
Meanwhile, chart-topping pop rock band Panic! At the Disco will stun viewers with a performance at this year’s ceremony. The band, fronted by singer-songwriter Brendon Urie, who came out as pansexual in 2018, scored a nom in the Best Alternative category for their pop single “Viva Las Vengeance.”
Omar Apollo
Openly gay R&B artist Omar Apollo made waves with his bilingual single titled “Tamagotchi.” The song is nominated this year in the Under the Push Performance Of The Year category.
Rina Sawayama
Sawayama’s country-pop single “This Hell” scored a VMA nomination for the category, Video for Good. The category awards videos that address current social and political subjects.
The pansexual pop star dedicated the song to the LGBTQ+ community in light of current discriminatory legislation sweeping the country.
WILLOW
In a boss-babe move, this pop-punk princess earned herself TWO nominations in the same category.
WILLOW single alongside Machine Gun Kelly's single “emo girl” and her song “G R O W” featuring Avril Lavigne and Travis Barker are up for wins in the Best Alternative category.
Remi Wolf
Singer and songwriter Remi Wolf, who identifies as bisexual is up for PUSH Performance of the Year for her song “Sexy Villain.”
The ceremony will take place at New Jersey’s Prudential Center on August 28 airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
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