Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

MTV VMAs 2016: What time are they? How can I watch? Who is hosting? Everything you need to know

Expect a night of controversy, including four unfiltered minutes of Kanye West

Jack Shepherd
Sunday 28 August 2016 10:37 EDT
Comments
Kanye West
Kanye West (GETTY)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Another year, another MTV Video Music Awards. Expect controversy, headline-making antics, and a few awards to be given out. Here's everything you need to know about this year's ceremony.

When are the VMAs?

This year’s MTV Video Music Awards take place on Sunday 28 August at Madison Square Garden, New York.

What time do the awards start?

The red carpet starts at 6:15pm EDT, a pre-show hosted by DJ Khaled beginning at 8pm, and the main show starting at 9pm.

How can I watch them?

The VMAs will be broadcast live on MTV in the US, while a live stream will begin online at 7pm on the official website, here.

Who is hosting?

MTV has said there will be no host this year, adding chances are “Kanye will announce himself as the official ringleader.” Until that happens, though, no one will officially be hosting the event, helmed by Miley Cyrus last year.

Who is presenting?

However, while there will be no single host, there will be multiple presenters, including Olympians Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocian. Others presenters include Jimmy Fallon, Kim Kardashian, Alicia Keys and Puff Daddy.

Who is performing?

The Chainsmokers, Nick Jonas, Rihanna, Ariana Grande with Nicki Minaj, and more will definitely be performing their hits while Kanye West has been given four minutes to do ‘whatever he wants’ with. Whether this means a four-minute rant or an actual performance, who knows. Beyoncé, who leads the pack in the nominations, is also said to be performing at the event but has yet to be officially announced.

MTV VMAs 2015

Who is nominated?

Beyoncé leads with 11 nominations, including video of the year. The full list of nominees can be read here.

The Video Vanguard award goes to… Rihanna

The ANTI singer has long produced some of the best music videos in the business, with MTV honouring her eye for a good video shoot.

Taylor Swift, where are you?

Despite everyone wanting to sit next to the 1989 singer, Swift won’t actually be attending this year’s awards ceremony. Perhaps she didn’t want to be interrupted by the aforementioned Mr West? Perhaps she’s busy working on a new record? Or maybe visiting Tom Hiddleston on the set of Thor? All we know is she won’t be at the awards.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in