Jennifer Lopez Will Receive The Video Vanguard Award At The 2018 VMAs

Mike Nied | July 31, 2018 3:18 pm

After weeks of speculation, it has been announced that Jennifer Lopez is the official recipient of the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at this year’s MTV VMAs. The 49-year-old was revealed via a live-stream on MTV’s social media accounts. “To be the recipient this year is like… I can’t even believe it, I’m so excited,” she said after surprising fans in the audience. The news comes nearly twenty years after she was in the running for the title of Best New Artist at the 1999 VMAs. She is also the first Latin artist to receive the honor. “That’s always an amazing thing. Because you want everybody to know that they have a fair shot at anything in this life. And if I can be the first to do anything, that just… It’s not about me. It’s about everybody else. It’s about them,” she said.

MTV shared the announcement on Instagram shortly after the news broke. “IT’S 👏 OFFICIAL. 👏 On August 20th, the 2018 #VMAs will honor the incredible @jlo with the Video Vanguard Award,” they wrote. The icon will accept the award during the live show on August 20. She will also grace Radio City Music Hall with a live performance and is in the running for two additional awards. Her video for “Dinero” is up for Best Collaboration and also got a nod in the Best Latin category. Others in the running for recognition that night include Cardi B and Beyonce.

Previous recipients of the Video Vanguard Award include the likes of Madonna, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna and Bey. Last year, the honor went to Pink, who graced the stage with a medley of her biggest hits. This year has been a particularly contentious one, with several acts put forth as potential candidates. Others rumored to be in the running included Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott. During her interview, Jennifer placed her vote behind Missy or Lady Gaga for the 2019 award. Check out the announcement below and get ready for J.Lo’s performance on August 20!

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