Nicki Minaj is preparing to make a triumphant return to the stage as both the host and performer at the upcoming 2023 MTV VMAs. The event, set to take place on Tuesday, September 12th, will be held at the Prudential Center in New Jersey and promises to celebrate both established icons and rising talents in the music industry.
Last year, Nicki Minaj was honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, a prestigious recognition that acknowledges remarkable contributions to the worlds of music and film. Notably, she not only received this esteemed award but also graced the audience with a memorable performance, treating fans to a medley of her greatest hits, which included tracks like “Super Bass,” “Anaconda,” and “Super Freaky Girl.” This year, the excitement revolves around Minaj’s exclusive debut performance of her latest chart-topping hit, “Last Time I Saw You.”
However, Nicki Minaj’s involvement in the VMAs goes beyond her role as a performer. She will also take on the responsibility of hosting the award show, marking her second time in this role—a rare occurrence that hasn’t been seen since Russell Brand hosted the show consecutively in 2008 and 2009.
With an impressive record of six VMA victories, Nicki Minaj currently holds an undefeated streak in the Best Hip Hop category. Her winning journey began in 2011 with “Super Bass” and continued with triumphs for “Anaconda” in 2015, “Chun-Li” in 2018, and “Do We Have a Problem” in 2022. In this category, her closest competitor is Drake, who trails behind with three accolades.
This year, the stakes are particularly high as Nicki Minaj competes for her fifth Best Hip Hop win with her track “Super Freaky Girl.” Additionally, she’s in the running for awards in categories such as Video of the Year, Best Visual Effects, Artist of The Year, Song of The Summer for “Barbie World,” and Best R&B for “Love In The Way.”
On Wednesday, September 6th, Nicki Minaj took a moment to congratulate Lil Wayne on receiving the BMI Icon Award. She expressed her appreciation, saying, “Where do I begin? You know what? I just wanna say… I so greatly appreciate your contributions to the rap culture. Thank you for all the inspiring words you’ve shared with me personally, which have motivated me to push myself even harder. Thank you for always being the genius and leader that you are.”
