Olivia Rodrigo and Machine Gun Kelly are set to perform on the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Sunday, Sept. 12, at 8 pm. ET/PT on MTV. It will mark the first VMAs performances for both artists.
In addition, Lil Nas X, Camila Cabello and Lorde are set to return to the VMAs stage.
This will be Lil Nas X’s first VMAs performance since 2019 (“Panini”), Cabello’s first since 2019 (“Señorita,” with Shawn Mendes), and Lorde’s first since 2017 (“Homemade Dynamite,” a promo single from Melodrama).
Lorde will perform a song from her third studio album, Solar Power, due this Friday (Aug 20). Machine Gun Kelly will perform his new single “Papercuts,” off his forthcoming sixth studio album, Born With Horns. Rodrigo will perform “Good 4 U,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Lil Nas X and Rodrigo each received five VMA nominations this year, though they aren’t competing in any categories. Lil Nas X’s nods include video of the year for “Montero (Call Me by Your Name).” Rodrigo’s include artist of the year, song of the year and best new artist.
Only Justin Bieber (seven nods) and Megan Thee Stallion (six nods) received more nominations this year. Billie Eilish, BTS, Doja Cat, Drake and Giveon earned five.
Machine Gun Kelly, who received his first VMA award last year for best alternative, is nominated in that same category this year.
Additional performers will be announced soon.
Fans can vote for their favorites across 14 gender-neutral categories by visiting vma.mtv.com through Friday, Sept. 3. Voting for best new artist will remain active into the show. Nominations for social categories including best group and song of the summer will be announced at a later date.
Bruce Gillmer and Jesse Ignjatovic, Den of Thieves co-founder, are executive producers for the 2021 VMAs. Barb Bialkowski is co-executive producer. Alicia Portugal and Jackie Barba serve as executives in charge of production. Wendy Plaut is executive in charge of celebrity talent. Lisa Lauricella is music talent executive.
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