MTV
MTV today announced that the 2023 Video Music Awards will air live on MTV on September 12 from the Prudential Center in New Jersey. The event will be seen worldwide in more than 150 countries and will reach 319 million households.
“We are excited to return to the Prudential Center in Newark for this year’s VMAs! said Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming and Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+. “Celebrating one of our biggest musical nights with the amazing fans of Garden State has been our goal since last year’s very successful event.”
Newarks Mayor Ras J. Baraka also released a statement.
“Newark’s attribution as the 2023 VMAs host city not only echoes our selection by MTV in 2022 and 2019, but also reflects our city’s historic vibe as a hotbed of musical genius. Beginning with America’s first known composer in 1759, through the jazz explosion of the 1920s, and up to today’s full spectrum of genres, from hip hop to opera, Newark has long served as an American hub for harmonic expression,” Baraka said. “The relevance of the Video Music Awards born today from the same city that filed the film and video industry’s first nitrocellulose patent has not escaped me, as Newark continues to be at the crossroads of motion picture and music.”
Last year’s three-hour-plus award show grew year-over-year in viewership, key demos and total minutes consumed (TMC) – +14% vs. last year with 1.59 billion compared to 1.4 billion, according to Nielsen fast nationals.
The show averaged 3.9 million viewers overnight, up 3% (3.7 million) from last year. It also increased by 4% among people aged 18 to 34 (2.24 versus 2.16), by 1% among those aged 18 to 49 (2.81 versus 2.78) and by 5% among people aged 25 to 54 (3.13 versus 3).
Minaj won the Video Vanguard Award, while Red Hot Chili Peppers won the Global Icon Award. Video of the Year went to Taylor Swift, while Artist of the Year went to Bad Bunny. Harry Styles won Best Album and Lizzo won the video for good.
One of the highlights was the appearance of Johnny Depp dressed as the show’s mascot – the moon person.