5 Performances We’re Looking Forward To Watch at the 2023 MTV VMAs

By  Alma Sacasa

peso pluma-shakira_2023 MTV VMAs

Art by Stephany Torres for Remezcla.

One of music’s biggest nights of the year is finally here! Between the nominations and performances at the 2023 MTV VMAs, it is hard to keep track of who will be there, but no worries, we’ve got you covered on who you should keep your eye on. Among this year’s many things to look forward to is the diverse lineup of Latine artists, like Peso Pluma, Shakira, Ice Spice, and Bad Bunny, who are nominated for a coveted Moon Person. Moreover, Shakira will be receiving the Video Vanguard Award.

Catch the show tonight and the performances from your favorite superstars on MTV on Sep. 12 at 8 p.m. ET. The acts range from a tribute to hip-hop to a Brazilian & K-pop collaboration to corridos tumbados. The crowd is in for a musical treat that will guarantee to have them all on their feet. Take a look at some of the moments to look forward to tonight at the 2023 MTV VMAs live from the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

Shakira

Shakira is not only being honored tonight, but her performance will mark the Colombian superstar’s return to the VMAs after 17 years. Her Video Vanguard Award marks the first time a South American artist receives the prestigious award and is the second Latina to be an honoree. She is also up for four awards this year: Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Best Latin for “TQG” alongside Karol G, and Best Latin for “Acróstico.”

We may not know what she’s performing yet, but there’s a wide range of hits to choose from. Since she will be in the same arena as Karol G, it would be great to see Medellín and Barranquilla bringing the heat to the MTV stage. Or maybe we will be reminded that “Las mujeres ya no lloran, las mujeres facturan.”

Karol G

Karol G is hitting the VMAs stage for the first time, taking a break from her Mañana Sera Bonito Tour and fresh off her two sold-out shows at Met Life Stadium in Newark, NJ. The Colombian star also has three VMA nominations this year, including all-women Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Best Latin. We hope she sings “TQG” or maybe her track “QLONA” with Peso Pluma. Any songs off her two new albums will suffice, honestly. 

Peso Pluma

Peso Pluma is also taking a break from performing for the Doble P Tour and gracing the VMAs stage for the first time. Aside from his anticipated takeover of the MTV stage, the Mexican artist is also nominated for Best New Latin and Song of the Summer for “Ella Baila Sola” singer and Best New Artist, alongside Ice Spice, Reneé Rapp, and PinkPantheress.

Anitta

Though Anitta may have performed last year, we could always use more of the Brazilian star. She has teamed up with K-pop group TOMORROW X TOGETHER for the new song, “Back for More,” which will have a debut performance of it at this year’s VMAs. Moreover, Anitta is up for Best Latin for her “Funk Rave” music video, the same category she won in 2022 for her hit song “Envolver.” 

Hip-Hop Tribute

Hip-hop turned 50 this year, and the VMAs are celebrating the milestone with their first spirits partnership with BACARDÍ. The celebration started early on Thursday, Sep. 7, when BACARDÍ and MTV hosted a VIP preview of BACARDÍ Vintage, a throwback retail and party experience of the shoppable vintage store, curated by Metropolis and Stadium Goods. Guests were led into a hip-hop and vintage MTV-inspired party where DJs Corey Towns and Premier kept the dance floor moving with classic songs from the last five decades. 

The BACARDÍ-presented tribute to Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary will include performances by DMC, Doug E. Fresh, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, LL COOL J, Lil Wayne, and the show’s emcee, Nicki Minaj.

2023 MTV VMAs