Nicki Minaj Live Show Added To 2022 MTV Awards In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — A star-studded lineup for this year’s MTV Video Music Awards in Newark has scored another coup: Nicki Minaj’s first live performance since 2018.

Earlier this year, New Jersey’s largest city learned it will again be playing host to the VMA Awards, which will air at the Prudential Center on Sunday, Aug. 28. Performers will include Anitta, J Balvin, Marshmello x Khalid and Panic! At The Disco. Read More: MTV Bringing Video Music Awards Back To New Jersey For 2022

Jack Harlow, Kendrick Lamar and Lil Nas X lead this year's nominations with seven nominations each, followed by Doja Cat and Harry Styles (six nominations), and Billie Eilish, Drake, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and The Weeknd (five nominations). See the full list here. Read More: The VMAs, Back In NJ: See Who's Nominated For Big Night In Newark

On Monday, the Prudential Center announced that Minaj will receive MTV’s Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, which pays tribute to a performer’s “profound impact” on pop culture. Previous recipients include Madonna, Janet Jackson, LL Cool J, Jennifer Lopez and Missy Elliott. David Bowie, The Beatles and director Richard Lester.

Minaj will also be performing at this year’s awards.

“Nicki has broken barriers for women in hip-hop with her versatility and creative artistry,” said Bruce Gillmer, president of music, music talent, programming and events at Paramount.

“She has shifted the music industry and cemented her status as a global superstar with her crossover appeal, genre-defying style and continuing to be unapologetically ‘Nicki,’” Gillmer added.

Minaj took home her first Moon Person for “Best Hip Hop Video” in 2011, and is nominated again this year for Best Hip Hop with “Do We Have a Problem?” According to the Prudential Center, some of her other VMA highlights include:

• Following her first win in 2011, she continued domination in the “Best Hip Hop” category, picking up wins for “Anaconda” (2015) and “Chun-Li” (2018). Minaj also took home “Best Female Video” in 2012 for “Starships.” Most recently, she picked up a Moon Person in 2019 for “Best Power Anthem” (“Hot Girl Summer”).
• Minaj made her main stage debut at the VMAs in 2012, rapping a surprise verse on Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire.” She returned with a trifecta of performances in 2014, first taking fans to the Amazonian jungle with “Anaconda,” then teaming up with Ariana Grande and Jessie J for a show-stopping performance of “Bang Bang,” and finally, “She Came To Give It To U” with Usher.
• In 2015, Minaj again performed a trio of songs, first “Trini Dem Girls,” before bringing Taylor Swift on stage for “The Night Is Still Young” and “Bad Blood.” She reunited with Ariana Grande in 2016 for “Side To Side,” and in 2017, joined host Katy Perry for a performance of “Swish Swish.”
• Minaj’s most recent “VMAs” appearance included an unforgettable rap medley from her album Queen, featuring songs “Majesty,” “Ganga Burn,” “FEFE” and “Barbie Dreams” at the 2018 show.

MTV set a milestone for itself in 2019, when it brought the VMAs to Newark – and New Jersey – for the first time. Performers that year included Taylor Swift, Shawn Mendes and Lizzo. Read More: MTV To Hold Video Music Awards In Newark

While the event saw widespread fanfare, it was also the site of a protest for "clean water," spearheaded by local residents fed up over the city's lead water crisis. Read More: Protest For Clean Water Ignites Outside MTV Awards In Newark

The city has since made major progress on that front, with Vice President Kamala Harris coming to Newark in February to praise its progress combatting the contamination. Read More: Lead Pipes And Newark; Kamala Harris Returns To NJ To Praise City

The news that the VMAs were returning to Newark in 2022 got a big thumbs-up from Gov. Phil Murphy and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

"It is fitting that Newark is once again the host city, as it is the birthplace of many of the biggest names in music, and has so much to offer its visitors – a vibrant arts and culture scene, historic downtown and diverse cuisine," Baraka said.

• See related article: From 'The Underground' To City Council: Iconic Rapper Gets Political
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• See related article: Queen Latifah Ushers In Newark's Latest Housing Development

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