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A Complete Guide to Every Performer at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2023 at 10:23 pm Us Weekly

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The MTV Video Music Awards always boasts a lengthy roster of performers, but the schedule for 2023’s event seems even more jam-packed than usual.

Nicki Minaj is set to perform triple duty, hosting the show and performing twice — once on her own and again as part of a massive tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. “Why would the @vmas let me host this show??? knowing I’m… different,” she joked via X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday, September 10. “#Vmas see ya on the 12th NEW YAWWWK.”

This year’s show will also feature a performance by Shakira, who will receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Previous recipients of the accolade include Beyoncé, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna.

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“Shakira is a true global force who continues to inspire and influence the masses with her unique musical prowess,” Bruce Gillmer — Paramount’s president of music, music talent, programming and events and Paramount+’s chief content officer for music — said in a statement announcing the honor. “She’s a trailblazer for women around the world and one of the first artists to lead the globalization of Latin music. Her massive impact across the musical landscape will be long-lasting as she continues to create and entertain at the highest level.”

Related: MTV Video Vanguard Winners Through the Years

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MTV has honored Madonna, Britney Spears, Kanye West and more legendary artists with the Video Vanguard Award at the Video Music Awards. David Bowie was the first artist to receive the top honor at the inaugural VMAs in 1984. Seven years later, the network renamed the award to honor Michael Jackson, who was presented the […]

The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards air on MTV Tuesday, September 12, at 8 p.m. ET. Keep scrolling for a complete guide to all the performers:

Anitta

The Brazilian superstar will perform her song “Funk Rave” and team up with K-pop band Tomorrow X Together for the song “Back for More.”

Doja Cat

After hosting the show in 2021, Doja Cat will return to the VMAs stage as a performer — possibly in the guise of alter ego Scarlet. Her fourth album, also named Scarlet, is due out on September 22.

Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

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Fall Out Boy

The beloved emo band — and four-time VMA winners — will perform after a jam-packed year, which saw the release of their eighth studio album, So Much (for) Stardust.

Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary Medley

Minaj, DMC, Doug E. Fresh, Lil Wayne, LL Cool J and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five are set to team up for a tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Demi Lovato

After her surprise appearance on The Masked Singer as Anonymouse, Lovato will take the stage at the VMAs for an as-yet-announced song. She is gearing up for the September 15 release of Revamped, which will include re-recorded rock versions of 10 of her past songs.

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for SiriusXM

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Lil Wayne

The veteran rapper will treat viewers to the live debut of his new single “Kat Food.”

Kaliii

The rapper is one of three artists set to perform on the Extended Play Stage.

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Related: VMAs 2023: See the Complete List of Nominations

Shutterstock (3) The upcoming 2023 MTV Video Music Awards are set to include some of the biggest stars in music — and some newcomers. Topping this year’s VMA nominees with eight nominations is Taylor Swift as she looks for a repeat “Video of the Year” win after breaking records in 2022 to become the only […]

Karol G

The Colombian artist will likely play something from her latest album, Mañana Será Bonito, but some fans are also hoping she’ll pop up for a “TQG” segment during Shakira’s medley.

Diddy

The rapper is receiving the Global Icon Award this year, becoming the third recipient following the Foo Fighters in 2021 and the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2022. Diddy is expected to perform a medley of his biggest hits.

Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images

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Peso Pluma

The Mexican singer released his third studio album, Génesis, in June.

Renée Rapp

Following the August release of her debut album, Snow Angel, Rapp is set to perform on the Extended Play Stage.

Måneskin

The Italian glam rockers will hit the VMAs stage for the second year a row, this time with their new song “Honey (Are U Coming?).”

Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty Images

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Metro Boomin, Swae Lee, Nav, Future and A Boogie wit da Hoodie

Producer Metro Boomin will team up with several rappers for performances of two songs: ​​”Superhero (Heroes & Villains)” and ”Calling.”

Nicki Minaj

In addition to joining other rappers for the hip-hop anniversary tribute, Minaj will perform her new single “Last Time I Saw You” for the first time. Her latest album, Pink Friday 2, is slated for release in November.

NLE Choppa

The Memphis-born rapper is one of two artists set to perform during the preshow.

Kelsea Ballerini

Ballerini is the only country artist scheduled for this year’s VMAs — and it’s her first time performing at the event — so there’s no doubt she’ll put on a good show.

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Olivia Rodrigo

It’s safe to say Rodrigo’s appearance is one of the most anticipated performances of the evening, given that her second album, Guts, debuted just days ago. Will she sing “Vampire,” “Bad Idea Right?” or something else? Place your bets now!

Sabrina Carpenter

After wrapping up her gig as an opener on the Mexican and South American dates of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Carpenter will perform during the VMAs preshow

Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion

The dynamic duo will perform their latest collaboration, “Bongos,” which comes three years after the release of their hit “WAP.”

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Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Tres Generaciones

Shakira

The Colombian pop star will perform a career-spanning medley of her hits as the latest winner of the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

Stray Kids

One of two K-pop bands taking the stage at this year’s event, Stray Kids is set to perform their song “S-Class.”

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Related: Celebrity Feuds That Played Out at the VMAs

VMAs, what’s good? Throughout its history, the MTV Video Music Awards has been responsible for kickstarting a handful of famous celebrity feuds. Fans will never forget the moment Kanye West stormed the stage seeking justice for Beyoncé after Taylor Swift won the Best Female Video award in September 2009. “Yo, Taylor, I’m really happy for […]

Tomorrow X Together

The K-pop superstars will team up with Anitta for the song “Back for More.”

The Warning

Hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, The Warning — made up of three sisters — is one of three acts who will appear on the Extended Play Stage.

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Getty Images (2) The MTV Video Music Awards always boasts a lengthy roster of performers, but the schedule for 2023’s event seems even more jam-packed than usual. Nicki Minaj is set to perform triple duty, hosting the show and performing twice — once on her own and again as part of a massive tribute to 

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DJ Shinski Brings AfriqueFest To Life

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AfriqueFest: Pan-African Musical Experience — World Cup Edition is set to take over Noto Houston on Sunday, June 28, bringing together East, South, and West African sounds in one immersive celebration of music, culture, and connection. Presented by Experience Noir and Bolanle Media, the event is designed as a cinematic night for the culture, blending global energy with Houston nightlife in a way that feels elevated, intentional, and deeply rooted in African creativity.

Spotlight on DJ Shinski

At the heart of this year’s experience is DJ Shinski. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and now based in Houston, DJ Shinski has built an international name off high-energy sets that move effortlessly across Afrobeats, Amapiano, hip‑hop, dancehall, reggae, and electronic sounds.

He has also become Africa’s most‑subscribed DJ on YouTube, crossing the 2‑million‑subscriber mark and turning his mixes into a global destination for music lovers.

DJ Shinski’s style is precise but unpredictable: one moment it’s classic Afrobeats, the next it’s East African anthems, then a run of throwback hip‑hop or R&B that still feels fresh. That ability to read a room and connect multiple worlds in a single set is exactly why AfriqueFest is building so much of the night’s energy around him.

At AfriqueFest, DJ Shinski helps drive the Safari Grooves segment, representing East and Central Africa from 4 PM to 6 PM. Expect a journey that moves from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Addis, and beyond, all filtered through his signature “vibes on vibes” approach behind the decks.

DJ Tunez and the rest of the night

Supporting that energy, DJ Tunez leads the Gold Coast Beats chapter from 8 PM to 10 PM, bringing his own Nigerian‑American Afrobeats pedigree to the stage. Together with the Diamond Rhythms segment (South) and a curated roster of DJs, the night stretches across the continent in three distinct musical chapters, all connected by a single dance floor.

Hosted by @chris_gone_crazy, @kingdrewwskyy, @roselynomaka, and @samsnewleaf, AfriqueFest is positioned as more than a party—it’s a celebration of sound, style, and Pan‑African identity in Houston, with DJ Shinski anchoring the experience from the moment doors open.

Brought to you by Bolanle Media & Experience Noir

Brought to you by Bolanle Media and Experience Noir, this World Cup edition of AfriqueFest is crafted as a night where global DJs, storytellers, and music lovers collide and create a shared cultural memory. With DJ Shinski front and center—and DJ Tunez helping close the night—guests can expect a show that reflects both the future of African nightlife and the power of the diaspora to create unforgettable live moments.

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If you want to experience DJ Shinski live at AfriqueFest, now is the time to lock in your spot. Purchase your tickets now at AfriqueFest.com and get ready for a night of music, movement, and culture at Noto Houston.

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STREAMING PREMIERE · JUNE 13, 2026

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Laughter Meets Inspiration: Our Ladies Show Lands on The Roku Channel

A bold new sketch comedy series for women premieres June 13 across the U.S., U.K., and Canada — arriving on the back of a festival-winning run that has critics and audiences already paying attention.

It isn’t every day a brand-new comedy arrives already wearing a row of trophies. Our Ladies Show does. The seven-episode inspirational sketch comedy series — created, written by, and starring Christin Jezak — begins streaming on The Roku Channel on Friday, June 13, 2026, available free to viewers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.

Produced in partnership with global media services leader Encompass Digital Media, the series sets out to do something rare in today’s streaming landscape: make women laugh out loud and leave them lifted. In a media moment crowded with noise and cynicism, Our Ladies Show is a deliberate counterweight — comedy with a conscience, built for women of every age and background.

A Show Built Around Real Life — and Real Laughs

Each of the seven episodes opens with a monologue from one of the cast members introducing the theme, then rolls into three or more sketches that hit the subject from every comedic angle. The series tackles the things women actually carry: holding grudges, comparison, beauty, patience, gift giving, the importance of community, and dealing with anxiety.

The comedy comes from a place of warmth rather than mockery — a “laugh at ourselves” spirit that runs through a gallery of unforgettable characters: a nosey neighbor, an overwhelmed mom, relentlessly optimistic flight attendants, beauty pageant winners past their prime, and a crew of unruly campers with a counselor who simply cannot hold it together.

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Then the show does something most sketch series don’t. In the final segment of every episode, the cast gathers in a living-room setting and invites the audience in — sharing real inspiration drawn from the theme, the sketches, and their own personal stories. It’s the moment the laughter turns into something that stays with you.

The Women Behind the Show

Our Ladies Show brings together three performers with serious range:

  • Christin Jezak — creator, writer, and star (Miracle at Manchester, Raising Hope, Jimmy Kimmel Live!)
  • Hillary Hawkins — (Primal, Nick Jr.’s Play Along, Gullah Gullah Island)
  • Sarah Hernandez — (Nefarious, Unplanned, House of Payne)

“In a world with so much division and depression, I hope women of all ages and backgrounds will watch this show, laugh, be reminded of how beautiful, unique, and loved they are, and remember how much we need each other.”— Christin Jezak, Creator & Star

Already a Festival Favorite

The series’ recurring long-form sketch, Neighborhood Watch, didn’t arrive quietly. Originally released as a web series and revamped for Our Ladies Show with new footage, sound, and music, it has been sweeping the festival circuit:

  • 🏆 Best Webseries — 2026 New Media Film Festival (Los Angeles)
  • 🏆 Best Web/TV Series — Paris Film Awards
  • 🏆 Best Web Series — Dallas Movie Awards
  • 🏅 Additional wins at the London Movie Awards, Florence Film Awards, and Hollywood Gold Awards
  • 🎬 Official Selection — 2026 Harvard Divinity School Film Fest
  • ⭐ Finalist — Houston Comedy Film Festival
  • 📣 Three nominations — 2025 Content Christian Media Conference, including Best Actress in a TV and Web Series nods for both Christin Jezak and Sarah Hernandez

Where and When to Watch

Our Ladies Show premieres Friday, June 13, 2026, streaming on The Roku Channel — the home of premium and free entertainment — in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. All seven episodes deliver the series’ signature blend of sharp sketch comedy and genuine encouragement.

Click Here To Get Tickets

Watch the trailer now on your platform of choice:

For more information, visit www.ourladiesshow.com and follow @ourladiesshow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.


About Christin Jezak

Christin Jezak has worked for over 15 years in the entertainment industry. She created and stars in Our Ladies Show and the award-winning web series Neighborhood Watch. She produced the EWTN TV program For the Sake of the Gospel and the all-women web series Ladies Keepin’ It Real, played Dr. Sam in Miracle at Manchester (starring Dean Cain, Daniel Roebuck, and Eddie McClintock), and voices Agnes in the podcast Confessions of a Catholic Single. She held a lead role in a short film for NTT Data directed by Academy Award–winning cinematographer Janusz Kamiński, has co-starred on Raising Hope, and appeared in Jimmy Kimmel sketches and a Grubhub Super Bowl commercial.

About The Roku Channel

Roku pioneered streaming on TV and is the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico by hours streamed (Hypothesis Group, Dec. 2025). The Roku Channel is the home of premium and free entertainment, alongside Roku’s Howdy and Frndly TV services. Roku is headquartered in San Jose, California.

About Encompass Digital Media

Encompass Digital Media is a global managed services company — technology-driven, software-defined, and people-powered. Trusted by world-leading broadcasters, networks, sports rights-holders, and OTT platforms, it processes over 25,000 hours of content daily, serves 850 channels to 84 countries, distributes over 243,000 live events annually, and reaches 400 million radio listeners weekly worldwide. Learn more at www.encompass.tv.

Media & Interview Requests: To interview creator Christin Jezak or the cast, contact Christin at cjezak@p2ptheatre.com.

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What Filmmakers Should Actually Steal From Euphoria

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Most of the talk about Euphoria asks one question: was it realistic? That’s the wrong question if you make films. The better one is simpler. How did Sam Levinson get an audience to feel addiction from the inside? And what did it cost him to end the show the way he did?

Strip away the noise and Euphoria is a clinic in three choices: point of view, style, and the ending. Here’s what’s worth taking — and what isn’t.

1. Put the Camera Inside the Character

Most shows about drugs watch from across the room. Euphoria doesn’t. When Rue is high, the camera is high too. Walls breathe. Floors tilt. Time skips. You’re not watching her — you’re stuck inside her head.

That’s the lesson: point of view is a decision you make with the camera and the cut, not a mood you add later in color. Levinson builds it into the lens, the blocking, and the edit.

So before you shoot a scene through a character’s eyes, ask one thing on set: whose eyes is this lens standing in for? Then make every cut respect that.

2. Your Style Has to Mean Something

The glitter. The slow push-ins. The impossible club lighting. Euphoria‘s look got copied everywhere. That’s the trap.

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The style worked because it carried weight. The beauty wasn’t decoration — it was the lie addiction tells you, the reason the next high looks worth it. The camera made self-destruction gorgeous on purpose.

The copies missed that. A thousand music videos took the look and left the meaning behind, and you can feel how hollow they are. So here’s the test: if your signature style could be swapped onto any other project and still “work,” it’s not a style. It’s a filter. Every choice should have a reason behind it.

3. The Ending Tells the Audience What It All Meant

When Euphoria ended for good in Season 3, Levinson killed Rue — an accidental, fentanyl-laced overdose. He called it “the honest ending,” saying he wanted to tell a true story about addiction and grief in a time when one mistake can be the last one. Reportedly, that wasn’t the original plan; the death of Angus Cloud, who played Fezco, changed the script.

Forget whether you agree with the choice. Study how it works. An ending is the last instruction you give your audience about how to read everything before it.

By ending on consequence instead of recovery, Levinson reframed seven years of beautiful chaos as a story about cost — not a celebration of it.

It’s also the show’s most debatable move, and that’s worth noticing too. A show that spent years making pain look beautiful had to fight to make that pain land as loss. Did it earn the ending, or enjoy the wreckage too long to stick it? Smart filmmakers will disagree — and that argument is exactly what a good ending is supposed to start.

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What Not to Take

The neon grief is the most copied part. It’s also the least useful. Take the surface — the colors, the slow-mo, the trauma-as-texture — and you get the costume without the body.

The real craft is underneath. Commit your camera to a real point of view. Make every stylistic choice earn its place. Treat your ending as the point of the whole thing. Do that, and your work won’t look like Euphoria. It’ll do what Euphoria did.


This piece touches on addiction and substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available through the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

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