Hot August nights mean one of two things: students sadly start a new school year to start and the MTV Video Music Awards. Every late summer since 1984, MTV has paid tribute to the big names in music and popular culture, awarding silvery moon men to the greatest talents of the year. 2019 saw some serious nobodies become massive stars overnight, thanks to the likes of Soundcloud, Twitter, and the Meme-verse.
This year’s VMAs has Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift leading the pack, with 12 nominations each. Plus, there are more musical performances than ever with artists including Ava Max, Megan Thee Stallion, CNCO, Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, Bad Bunny, Lil Nas X, Lizzo, Rosalia and J Balvin, the Jonas Brothers, Missy Elliot, and of course, Taylor Swift. Who will win the coveted Video of the Year Award? Will they finally change the name of the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award? Only one way to find out.
Here’s everything you need to watch MTV Video Music Awards for free.
MTV Video Music Awards cast
The show will be hosted by comedian and actor Sebastian Maniscalo.
When do MTV Video Music Awards?
The VMAs will air on Monday, August 26 at 8pm ET.
What channel is MTV Video Music Awards?
The awards will air exclusively on MTV.
How to watch MTV Video Music Awards
MTV is available on two of the major live TV streaming services. When trying to decide which one is best for you, you’ll want to weigh the cost, the other channels you’ll receive, and the compatible devices for streaming.
Thankfully, no matter which service you pick, you’ll start with a one-week trial, so you can watch MTV Video Music Awards for free.
1) Sling TV
- Cost: $25-$40 per month (40% off first month)
- Devices: Amazon Fire TVs, Android Fire Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, Xbox One, Google Chromecast, Oculus Go, and iOS and Android devices
- Local channels: NBC, Fox (check your local availability here)
Sling TV offers two cable packages based on your particular needs (Sling Orange and Sling Blue), both of which cost $25 per month. Sling Orange also offers three ESPN channels, AMC, and more than a dozen other channels. But it’s worthwhile to upgrade to Sling Orange + Blue package, which costs $40 per month and comes with great sports channels like FS1 and FS2, NBCSN, and NFL Network, and more. If you want access to MTV you will need to grab the Comedy Extra package which will run you $5 extra per month. Along with MTV, this add-on comes with truTV, MTV2, CMT, TV Land, Logo, and a few other networks. (Here’s the complete guide to Sling TV channels.)
2) Philo
- Cost: $16 per month (after a free 7-day trial)
- Devices: Philo works with Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and Fire TV, iOS, Android, and your web browser
Philo is the least expensive streaming service, but it has some limitations. You won’t find the sports channels that dominate other packages or local channels. However, it’s the cheapest way to gain access to MTV at only $16 a month. You will also find the best deal on popular channels like Animal Planet, IFC, Lifetime, and more. You also get free cloud DVR, but shows recorded are deleted after 30 days, so binge responsibly.
3) FuboTV
- Cost: $44.99 for your first month and $54.99 per month thereafter (after a 7-day free trial)
- FuboTV devices: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Android TV, iOS and Android devices
- Local channels: ABC, Fox, NBC, CBS, the CW (in some markets) (check local availability here)
FuboTV was built from the ground up with sports fans in mind. There are different channel packages available whether you’re looking for basketball, soccer, golf, and even outdoor sports like rock climbing. But no worries, all the great cable channels you’re after are present too, including Viceland, Bravo, TBS, and IFC. Here’s the complete FuboTV channels list.
Other ways to watch MTV Video Music Awards
1) MTV.com and MTV app
You can watch a live stream of MTV on the official site. However, you will need to log in using credentials from a cable provider or streaming service. Note: Philo will work, but FuboTV and Sling TV will not. Some clips are available totally free, but you will need to register an account with MTV before streaming. The MTV app works just like the website. Download the app, plug in your credentials, and watch 2019 MTV Movie and TV Awards or your favorite MTV shows on the go.
2019 MTV Video Music Awards nominees
Video of the Year
- 21 Savage ft. J. Cole – “a lot”
- Billie Eilish – “Bad Guy”
- Ariana Grande – “thank u, next”
- Jonas Brothers – “Sucker”
- Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)”
- Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down”
Artist of the Year
- Cardi B
- Billie Eilish
- Ariana Grande
- Halsey
- Jonas Brothers
- Shawn Mendes
Song of the Year
- Drake – “In My Feelings”
- Ariana Grande – “thank u, next”
- Jonas Brothers – “Sucker”
- Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper – “Shallow”
- Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)”
- Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down”
Best New Artist
- Ava Max
- Billie Eilish
- H.E.R.
- Lil Nas X
- Lizzo
- ROSALÍA
Best Collaboration
- Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)”
- Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper – “Shallow”
- Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita”
- Taylor Swift ft. Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco – “ME!”
- Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber – “I Don’t Care”
- BTS ft. Halsey – “Boy With Luv”
Push Artist of the Year
- Bazzi
- CNCO
- Billie Eilish
- H.E.R.
- Lauv
- Lizzo
Best Pop
- 5 Seconds of Summer – “Easier”
- Cardi B & Bruno Mars – “Please Me”
- Billie Eilish – “Bad Guy”
- Khalid – “Talk”
- Ariana Grande – “thank u, next”
- Jonas Brothers – “Sucker”
- Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down”
Best Hip Hop
- 2 Chainz ft. Ariana Grande – “Rule the World”
- 21 Savage ft. J. Cole – “a lot”
- Cardi B – “Money”
- DJ Khaled ft. Nipsey Hussle & John Legend – “Higher”
- Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)”
- Travis Scott ft. Drake – “SICKO MODE”
Best R&B
- Anderson .Paak ft. Smokey Robinson – “Make It Better”
- Childish Gambino – “Feels Like Summer”
- H.E.R. ft. Bryson Tiller – “Could’ve Been”
- Alicia Keys – “Raise A Man”
- Ella Mai – “Trip”
- Normani ft. 6lack – “Waves”
Best K-Pop
- BTS ft. Halsey – “Boy With Luv”
- BLACKPINK – “Kill This Love”
- Monsta X ft. French Montana – “Who Do You Love”
- TOMORROW X TOGETHER – “Cat & Dog”
- NCT 127 – “Regular”
- EXO – “Tempo”
Best Latin
- Anuel AA, Karol G – “Secreto”
- Bad Bunny ft. Drake – “MIA”
- benny blanco, Tainy, Selena Gomez, J Balvin – “I Can’t Get Enough”
- Daddy Yankee ft. Snow – “Con Calma”
- Maluma – “Mala Mía”
- ROSALÍA & J Balvin ft. El Guincho – “Con Altura”
Best Dance
- The Chainsmokers ft. Bebe Rexha – “Call You Mine”
- Clean Bandit ft. Demi Lovato – “Solo”
- DJ Snake ft. Selena Gomez, Ozuna & Cardi B – “Taki Taki”
- David Guetta, Bebe Rexha & J Balvin – “Say My Name”
- Marshmello & Bastille – “Happier”
- Silk City & Dua Lipa – “Electricity”
Best Rock
- The 1975 – “Love It If We Made It”
- Fall Out Boy – “Bishops Knife Trick”
- Imagine Dragons – “Natural”
- Lenny Kravitz – “Low”
- Panic! At The Disco – “High Hopes”
- twenty one pilots – “My Blood”
Video for Good
- Halsey – “Nightmare”
- The Killers – “Land of the Free”
- Jamie N Commons, Skylar Grey ft. Gallant – “Runaway Train”
- John Legend – “Preach”
- Lil Dicky – “Earth”
- Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down”
Best Direction
- Billie Eilish – “Bad Guy” – Directed by Dave Meyers
- FKA twigs – “Cellophane” – Directed by Andrew Thomas Huang
- Ariana Grande – “thank you, next” Directed by Hannah Lux Davis
- Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Directed by Calmatic
- LSD ft. Labrinth, Sia, Diplo – “No New Friends” – Directed by Dano Cerny
- Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Directed by Drew Kirsch & Taylor Swift
Best Visual Effects
- Billie Eilish – “when the party’s over” – Visual Effects by Ryan Ross, Andres Jaramillo
- FKA twigs – “Cellophane” – Visual Effects by Matt Chandler, Fabio Zaveti for Analog
- Ariana Grande – “God is a Woman” – Visual Effects by Fabrice Lagayette, Kristina Prilukova & Rebecca Rice for Mathematic
- DJ Khaled ft. SZA – “Just Us” – Visual Effects by Sergii Mashevskyi
- LSD ft. Labrinth, Sia, Diplo – “No New Friends” – Visual Effects by Ethan Chancer
- Taylor Swift ft. Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco – “ME!” – Visual Effects by Loris Paillier & Lucas Salton for BUF VFX
Best Editing
- Anderson .Paak ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Tints” – Editing by Elias Talbot
- Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Editing by Calmatic
- Billie Eilish – “Bad Guy” – Editing by Billie Eilish
- Ariana Grande – “7 Rings” – Editing by Hannah Lux Davis & Taylor Walsh
- Solange – “Almeda” – Editing by Solange Knowles, Vinnie Hobbs, Jonathon Proctor
- Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Editing by Jarrett Fijal
Best Art Direction
- BTS ft. Halsey – “Boy With Luv” – Art Direction by JinSil Park, BoNa Kim (MU:E)
- Ariana Grande – “7 Rings” – Art Direction by John Richoux
- Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Art Direction by Itaru Dela Vegas
- Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita” – Art Direction by Tatiana Van Sauter
- Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Art Direction by Brittany Porter
- Kanye West and Lil’ Pump ft. Adele Givens – “I Love It” – Art Direction by Tino Schaedler
Best Choreography
- FKA twigs – “Cellophane” – Choreography by Kelly Yvonne
- ROSALÍA & J Balvin ft. El Guincho – “Con Altura” – Choreography by Charm La’Donna
- LSD ft. Labrinth, Sia, Diplo – “No New Friends” – Choreography by Ryan Heffington
- Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita” – Choreography by Calvit Hodge, Sara Biv
- Solange – “Almeda” – Choreography by Maya Taylor, Solange Knowles
- BTS ft. Halsey – “Boy With Luv” – Choreography by Rie Hata
Best Cinematography
- Anderson .Paak ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Tints” – Cinematography by Elias Talbot
- Billie Eilish – “hostage” – Cinematography by Pau Castejon
- Ariana Grande – “thank you, next” – Cinematography by Christopher Probst
- Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita” – Cinematography by Scott Cunningham
- Solange – “Almeda” – Cinematography by Chayse Irvin, Ryan Marie Helfant, Justin Hamilton
- Taylor Swift ft. Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco – “ME!” – Cinematography by Starr Whitesides
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