Ava Max, CNCO and Megan Thee Stallion to perform live during the 2019 VMA red carpet pre-show, hosted by Terrence J and Nessa, on Monday, August 26th at 7pm ET/PT

Ava Max, CNCO and Megan Thee Stallion to perform live during the 2019 VMA
red carpet pre-show, hosted by Terrence J and Nessa,
on Monday, August 26th at 7pm ET/PT 

MTV unveils new categories, including ‘Best Group,’ ‘Best Power Anthem’ and ‘Song of Summer,’ and nominees to be voted on by fans via Instagram Stories

NEW YORK, NY (August 19, 2019) – MTV today announced fans will have a front-row seat to performances by Ava Max, CNCO and Megan Thee Stallion at the 2019 VMAs red carpet pre-show, hosted by Terrence J and Nessa with special correspondent Zara Larsson, on Monday, August 26th at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT. In addition to celebrity interviews and star-studded moments, the winner of the “2019 Push Artist of the Year” award will be presented by 2018 winner Hayley Kiyoko.

Ahead of the 2019 VMAs, fans can vote for their favorites in select categories, including “Best Group,” “Best Power Anthem” and “Song of Summer” presented by Samsung, on MTV’s Instagram Story.

Beginning today, and for the next 24 hours, fans can vote by swiping up on MTV’s IG Story for the following Best Group nominees:

• 5 Seconds of Summer
• Backstreet Boys
• BLACKPINK
• BTS
• CNCO
• Jonas Brothers
• PRETTYMUCH
• Why Don’t We

Beginning August 20th at 12:00 p.m. ET, and for the next 24 hours, fans can vote by swiping up on MTV’s IG Story for the following Best Power Anthem nominees:

• Ariana Grande – “7 rings”
• DJ Khaled, ft. Cardi B & 21 Savage – “Wish Wish”
• Halsey – “Nightmare”
• Lizzo ft. Missy Elliott – “Tempo”
• Maren Morris – “GIRL”
• Megan Thee Stallion ft. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign “Hot Girl Summer”
• Miley Cyrus – “Mother’s Daughter”
• Taylor Swift – “You Need To Calm Down”

Lastly, from Wednesday, August 21st at 12 p.m. ET until Sunday, August 25th at 12 p.m. ET, fans can vote for the Song of Summer, presented by Samsung, in bracket-style voting. Nominees include:

• Ariana Grande & Social House – “boyfriend”
• Billie Eilish – “bad guy”
• DaBaby – “Suge”
• Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber – “I Don’t Care”
• Jonas Brothers – “Sucker”
• Khalid – “Talk”
• Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)”
• Lil Tecca – “Ransom”
• Lizzo – “Truth Hurts”
• Miley Cyrus- “Mother’s Daughter”
• Post Malone ft. Young Thug – “Goodbyes”
• ROSALÍA & J Balvin ft. El Guincho – “Con Altura”
• Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita”
• Taylor Swift – “You Need To Calm Down”
• The Chainsmokers & Bebe Rexha – “Call You Mine”
• Young Thug ft. J. Cole & Travis Scott – “The London”

Hosted by comedian, actor and best-selling author Sebastian Maniscalco, the 2019 VMAs will air live from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. on Monday, August 26, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, and across MTV’s global network of channels in more than 180 countries, reaching more than half a billion households around the world.

Bruce Gillmer and Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic are Executive Producers for the 2019 “VMAs.” Barb Bialkowski is Co-Executive Producer. Jackie Barba, Joe Buoye and Alicia Portugal serve as Executive in Charge of Production. Amani Duncan is Executive in Charge of Music.  Wendy Plaut is Executive in Charge of Celebrity Talent.

Official sponsors of the 2019 “MTV Video Music Awards” include Extra® Refreshers Gum, PEPSI®, Taco Bell®, the 2020 Toyota Corolla and truth®.

Follow @MTV and @VMAs on social to keep up with all-things #VMAs.

About MTV:
MTV is the leading global youth media brand in 180 countries, reaching 450 million households in nearly 30 different languages across every platform. A unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), MTV operations span cable and mobile networks, live events, theatrical films and MTV Studios.