Eminem Set to Open 2024 VMAs

Eminem is set to open the 2024 VMAs live on Wednesday (Sept. 11) at 8 p.m. ET/PT from New York’s UBS Arena. The rap icon will treat fans to the first TV show performance from his 12th studio LP, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace), which recently became his 11th album to enter the Billboard 200 at No. 1.

Eminem last performed on the VMAs in 2022 with Snoop Dogg for a first-of-its-kind performance of “From the D 2 The LBC” inspired by the world of the Otherside metaverse. In 2012, Eminem made a surprise appearance during Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s performance of “Forgot About Dre” and “Still D.R.E.”

Eminem last opened the VMAs in 2010 with “Not Afraid,” followed by a duet performance with Rihanna of “Love the Way You Lie.” In 2000, Eminem performed a medley of “The Real Slim Shady” and “The Way I Am,” which famously included a procession of 100+ Eminem look-alikes.

During his debut year of 1999, Eminem performed a medley of “Guilty Conscience” and “My Name Is.”

Eminem landed eight nominations this year. His smash “Houdini,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, is up for video of the year, best hip-hop, best direction, best editing, best visual effects and song of the summer. In addition, Eminem is nominated for artist of the year, and VMAs most iconic performance for his aforementioned 2000 performance.

If he wins in just one of the eight categories, Marshall will break out of a tie with Peter Gabriel for the most wins by a male artist in the show’s history (13). Four superstar women have amassed even more VMA wins. Beyoncé leads with 27, followed by Taylor Swift (23), Madonna (20) and Lady Gaga (18).

Eminem’s 13 wins are the most by a hip-hop artist. With 67 total nods, he is the second-most nominated artist in VMAs history, trailing only Madonna (71).

Megan Thee Stallion is set to host and perform on the VMAs. Katy Perry will receive the Video Vanguard Award and perform a hit medley. Other performers include Anitta (feat. Fat Joe, DJ Khaled + Tiago PZK), Benson Boone, Camila Cabello, Chappell Roan, GloRilla, Halsey, KAROL G, Lenny Kravitz, LISA, LL COOL J, Rauw Alejandro, Sabrina Carpenter and Shawn Mendes.

Cyndi Lauper, who won and appeared on the very first VMAs in September 1984, is set to present, along with former MTV host Carson Daly. Other presenters set for this year’s show are Addison Rae, Alessandra Ambrosio, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Big Sean, Busta Rhymes, Damiano David (Måneskin), DANNA, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Flavor Flav, French Montana, Halle Bailey, Jordan Chiles, Lil Nas X, Miranda Lambert, Naomi Scott, Paris Hilton, Suki Waterhouse, Thalía and Tinashe.

Teddy Swims and Jessie Murph are set to make their VMA debuts by performing on the Extended Play Stage.

The 2024 VMAs will air live on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT across MTV’s global footprint, including BET, BET Her, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV, MTV2, Nick at Nite, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land, VH1 and Univision.

Le Sserafim will make their U.S. award show debut by performing on the VMAs pre-show.  Hosted by Nessa, Dometi Pongo and Kevan Kenney, the 90-minute live VMAs pre-show special airs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, MTV2, CMT and Logo.

With the addition of social categories, Taylor Swift still leads in terms of most nominations (12), followed by Post Malone (11), Eminem (eight), Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, Sabrina Carpenter + SZA (seven each); Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Charli xcx, GloRilla, LISA, Olivia Rodrigo + Teddy Swims (four each).

General fan voting closed Friday (Sept. 6) on MTV’s website. Voting for best new artist remains active through the show.

Bruce Gillmer and Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic are executive producers. Barb Bialkowski is co-executive producer. Alicia Portugal and Jackie Barba are executives in charge of production. Wendy Plaut is executive in charge of celebrity talent. Lisa Lauricella is music talent executive.