Hola What’s Hot Fam,
The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards aired Tuesday night and featured appearances by Lil Wayne, Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B and Megan thee Stallion, Shakira, Doja Cat and more! Here are a few of the hottest moments from the night:
1. Lil Wayne takes the stage
A salute to 50 years of Hip Hop, Lil Wayne kicked off the show with a performance of his new song “Kat Food” and 2018 single “Uproar.” Following his performance, his Young Money artist Nicki Minaj acknowledged the legendary 40-year-old rapper as the “greatest rapper of all time.”
2. NSYNC Reunites
This moment was definitely for the millennials! Welcomed on stage by a theatrical Nicki Minaj, NSYNC reunited on the VMA stage to announce the recipient of the Best Pop award.
And the recipient, Taylor Swift, was just as thrilled as the audience to see the whole band back together.
3. Shakira Performs/ Receives Video Vanguard Award
In a full circle moment, Wyclef Jean present Shakira with the Video Vanguard. Following a high energy performance of “She Wolf,” “Objection (Tango),” “Whenever, Wherever” and more. Shakira gave a heartfelt speech acknowledging members of her team, her children, her fans and su “gente Latin Americana.”
4. Diddy Performs Medley of Hits/ Receives Global Icon Award
Performing “Ill be Missing You,” “It’s All About the Benjamins,” “I Need a Girl,” “Gotta Move On,” “Last Night” and more, Diddy graced the stage with a slew of familiar faces. Among those that joined him on stage were Yung Miami, Keyshia Cole and his son King Combs. Following his performance, R & B sensation and his long time friend Mary J Blige and his eldest daughter presented him with the award.
5. Nicki Minaj Performs Unreleased Pink Friday 2 Track
Nicki Minaj, who was last year’s video vanguard honoree, performed her latest single from her upcoming album Pink Friday 2 , “Last Time I Saw You,” before hyping up the crowd for an unreleased track.
“MTV, it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t give y’all a Pink Friday 2 exclusive,” said Minaj, before revealing a sparkly lace ensemble and spitting a verse full of shots to artist(s) who deny her influence on them.
Bonus Moment: 50 Years of Hip Hop Medley
This moment kind of goes without saying, but I had to include it. The tribute to the anniversary of hip hop was definitely one of the hottest moments of the awards. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Doug E. Fresh, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, LL Cool J and DMC performed “The Message,” “Red Ruby Da Sleeze,” “Mama Said Knock You Out” and more!
What was your favorite moment from this star-studded night?