How to Watch the 2023 VMAs Live Online

The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards are just a few hours away.

Hosted by Nicki Minaj for the second year in a row, the 39th annual VMAs will begin at 8 p.m. ET at New Jersey’s Prudential Center on Sept. 12. The pre-show, hosted by Saweetie, with co-hosts Nessa, Dometi Pongo and Kevin Kenney, will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET. Pre-show performers include Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Anitta, Demi Lovato, Diddy, Doja Cat and many more (full MTV VMAs fashion gallery here).

More from Variety

The awards show will broadcast simultaneously on VH1, MVT2, Comedy Central, CMT, BET, BET Her, Paramount Network, and Nickelodeon. Cable-cutters can tune in live on TV streamers such as DirecTV and Paramount+, both of which offer free trials.

DirecTV

Price: $Free Trial

Buy Now

Lovato, a 14-time nominee, will make her return to the VMAs after six years with her pre-show performance. She’s set to make the appearance just days before the release of her new album “Revamped,” which features rock versions of her hit songs. She’s nominated in two categories, best pop and video for good, for her single “Swine.”

Days after completing her U.S. stadium tour, Karol G will bring the massive production to the VMA stage for her first-ever appearance on the show. She’s up for three awards including one of the night’s most coveted prizes, artist of the year. Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj and Shakira, are also nominated in the category.

Swift leads the nominations this year with eight nods altogether for her videos, followed by six for the videos of SZA. In the category of video of the year, Swift will face off against SZA’s “Kill Bill,” Doja Cat’s “Attention,” Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers,” Nicki Minaj’s “Super Freaky Girl,” Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire” and Sam Smith and Kim Petras’ “Unholy.”

The artist of the year field sees Swift competing with Beyoncé, Doja Cat, Karol G, Nicki Minaj and Shakira.

Stream the 2023 VMAs live online below:

DirecTV

Price: $Free Trial

Buy Now

Best of Variety

Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.