By Spotlight Central
originally published: 08/25/2022
The eyes of the music world will be on Newark, NJ this Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022 when the city’s Prudential Center hosts the MTV Video Music Awards. The event takes place live at 8pm EDT inside Prudential Center’s arena — the home of the New Jersey Devils — and will also air on multiple television channels including MTV, The CW, BET, BET Her, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV 2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land, and VH1.
About hosting such a timely musical event here in the Garden State, Prudential Center’s Vice President of Sports Properties and Special Events Dylan Wanagiel remarks, “October will mark both the 15-year anniversary for Prudential Center and the 40-year anniversary for the New Jersey Devils. We could not think of a better kickoff to these milestone celebrations then welcoming back the VMAs, one of the most prestigious award shows in the world.”
Prior to the VMA ceremony on Sunday night, Prudential Center will host a 6:30 pm VMA Pre-Show featuring celebrity correspondent Tate McRae and Kraft Singles ® House DJ, Murda Beatz. Entertainment will be provided by singer/actress Dove Cameron and rappers Saucy Santana and Yung Gravy.
This year, the VMA Ceremony boasts 25 award categories including Video of the Year (presented by Burger King®), Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist (presented by EXTRA® Gum), in addition to three 2022 fan-decided social categories: Group of the Year, Song of the Summer, and Album of the Year.
Doja Cat, Jack Harlow, and Harry Styles lead the pack with the largest number of VMA nominations (8). They’re followed by Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Lil Nas X (7), along with Billie Eilish (6). BTS, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Future, Lizzo, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd trail closely with five nominations apiece.
LL Cool J, Nicki Minaj, and Jack Harlow will serve as emcees for the 8pm VMA show where they will introduce the evening’s star-studded lineup of performers, presenters, and winners.
Nicki Minaj will receive MTV’s coveted Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and will perform live on the show. Red Hot Chili Peppers will receive the prestigious Global Icon Award and will also perform live at the ceremony.
Additional live performers will include Anitta (“Envolver”), Bad Bunny (TBA), J. Balvin (“Nivel de Perreo”), Blackpink (“Pink Venom”), Eminem and Snoop Dogg (“From the D 2 The LBC”), Kane Brown (“Grand”), Jack Harlow (TBA), Marshmello X Khalid (“Numb”), Lizzo (“2 Be Loved [Am I Ready]”), Måneskin (“Supermodel”), and Panic! at the Disco (“Middle of a Breakup”).
Coming out of a banner year in 2021–22, where along with an entire season of New Jersey Devils games it presented over 125 concerts, sporting events, and special programs, with the spotlight squarely focused on the VMAs, Newark’s Prudential Center is now a required destination for some of the biggest entertainers and performers in the world.
Notes Prudential Center’s Wanagiel, “Hosting the VMAs at Prudential Center helps cement our place as the North American home of K-Pop and a Northeastern hub for Latin shows and R&B acts, not to mention our focus on celebrating New Jersey music and bringing these acts to the public.”
As such, in addition to the VMAs, events in the 2022–23 line up of Prudential Center concerts include Seventeen’s “Be the Sun World Tour” on Sept. 6, 2022, Carlos Vives on Sept. 17, 2022, Mary J. Blige on Oct. 23, 2022, and Bruce Springsteen on Apr. 14, 2023. For info and/or tickets to these and other great Prudential Center events, please go to prucenter.com.
Photos courtesy of MTV
Spotlight Central. Your source for Jersey entertainment news and reviews
EVENT PREVIEWS
Low Cut Connie to Celebrate Album Release at The Vogel on July 3rd
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Low Cut Connie was going to play the ParkStage show on July 3, 2026, but it was rescheduled due to the heat. Instead, he will celebrate the release of his latest album Livin' In The USA at The Vogel. Doors are at 6:30pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
Flamingosis to Bring Bright Moments 10th Anniversary Tour to Newark Culture Club
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Flamingosis is the stage name of Aaron Velasquez, a New Jersey-based DJ, beatboxer, and electronic music producer who is coming to Newark Culture Club on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10:00pm. A special set by one world's leading DJs/producers!
The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th
(HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Badfish is a vibe. Badfish is a sonic house party complete with plenty of gyrating fans sipping libations and enjoying various extracurricular activities. Simply put, Badfish is feel-good music. See for yourself when Badfish performs at The Sandbox at Seastreak on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday!
Carteret PAC presents Hellfest
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Hellfest from July 3-5, 2026 with over 18 bands performing each day! Tickets are available per day or with a three day pass.
Free Concerts to be Held Throughout 4th of July Weekend in Jersey City
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Four free live music events will be held in Jersey City parks throughout the 4th of July weekend, featuring a diverse lineup of American music. The series is curated and produced by Riverview Jazz and is presented by the City of Jersey City and Exchange Place Alliance.
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bell Bottom Blues on July 10th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Basie Center to Honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Dramarama on Walk of Fame
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12:00pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, July 11. Dramarama, also performing at that concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
