Every year, MTV hosts the MTV Video Music Awards, or the VMAS, honoring the past year’s music videos from all genres of music. With slated performances from artists such as Demi Lovato and Shakira, this year’s event will surely be the one to watch in a few weeks.
Before Sept. 12 arrives, here’s a list of nominations and predictions for the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards:
Video of the Year
Predicted winner: “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift
Up against fellow artists Doja Cat, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Olivia Rodrigo, Sam Smith, Kim Petras and SZA, it would be no shocker if Swift took home the biggest award of the night for her song “Anti-Hero.” After having a widely successful sold-out tour throughout the United States this past summer, 2023 is simply the year of Taylor Swift. While the other artists are just as talented, the singer knows how to draw in a crowd with her creative, directive vision and songs about self-doubt and insecurity. Thus, “Anti-Hero” is most likely to win for its relatability and iconic lines such as: “It’s me, hi / I’m the problem, it’s me.”
Artist of the Year
Predicted winner: Taylor Swift
As much as we all would like Beyoncé to win Artist of the Year, Swift is another probable winner for this award, not only because of her “Eras Tour,” but for the year she’s had. From dropping her 10th album, “Midnights,” last October to announcing she would be directing her first mainstream film in the near distant future, the singer’s name has been on everyone’s tongues for months. Alongside fellow nominees Shakira, Doja Cat, KAROL G and Nicki Minaj, it’s a tight category, but one that Swift shouldn’t have a problem rising above in due to her notoriety and strong work ethic.
Song of the Year
Predicted winner: “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
While the first two awards have the highest chance of Taylor Swift bringing home another Moonman, Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers” may just take the cake for Song of the Year. Let’s be real: this song has been playing non-stop on Top 40 radio stations worldwide for months, making it the singer’s biggest single to date. Acting as the lead single from her most recent album “Endless Summer Vacation,” it is an iconic spin on Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man.” The track proves that Cyrus is done dwelling on her past and ready to love herself again. The ultimate self-empowerment anthem of the year, the singer deserves to take home at least one award for this song in a few weeks.
Best New Artist
Predicted winner: Ice Spice
The Best New Artist category is a tough one this year, especially with breakthrough stars such as GloRilla, Kaliii, Peso Pluma, PinkPantheress and Reneé Rapp. Still, Ice Spice is most likely to win for her giant impact on pop music within the past year. One thing about the rapper is that she’s consistent, constantly releasing back-to-back bangers such as “Princess Diana (with Nicki Minaj),” “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” with PinkPantheress and “Deli.” With an effortless sense of confidence and swagger, as well as a down-to-earth personality, Ice Spice is a humble star who deserves her flowers after working so hard.
Best Alternative
Predicted winner: “the film” by boygenius
Nominated against many returners to the VMAs, such as blink-182, Fall Out Boy, Lana Del Rey, Paramore and Thirty Seconds To Mars, this category is also a competitive one usually for newcomers, but boygenius may just surprise everyone when they win for Best Alternative. Directed by Kristen Stewart, “the film” contained videos for the trio’s debut album “the record,” which has taken over the alternative and indie scene since its March release. Also, who doesn’t love Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker, and their heartwarming friendship?
