Keke Palmer is stepping into her hosting bag as she will be the MC for one of the music industries biggest award shows: The 2020 MTV Video Music Awards on August 30.
On Thursday, it was announced that the 26-year-old Hustlers actress — who confirmed last month that her ABC morning talk show, Strahan, Sara & Keke, had been canceled permanently after the program was sidelined in March for coronavirus pandemic coverage — will be joining us in presenting the nominations.
The news was delivered to us via a “FaceTime call” between her and True Jackson, VP — sorry, True Jackson, CEO — where Palmer asked for some styling help ahead of, as she said, “summer’s biggest stage with the world’s biggest artists.” For those of you who may not be familiar with who True Jackson is, she is the fictional character Palmer played on the Nickelodeon show True Jackson, VP from 2008 to 2011. The clip found Palmer brimming with enthusiasm as she recanted her excitement for landing the hosting gig. “I need a look that says: Snack! Sticky! Thick!”
Before the video ends, Palmer puts her own spin on the True Jackson, VP theme song, further depicting just how far the singer/actress has come.
In a statement, Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events for ViacomCBS Media Networks, said, “We’re thrilled to have the multi-talented Keke Palmer as this year’s VMAs host. Keke is an energetic force and a quadruple threat with unmatched comedic wit who will make this year’s show truly unforgettable.”
From what we know, the award show will feature the VMA performance debut of BTS, taking the stage to unveil their upcoming single “Dynamite.” Doja Cat and J Balvin are also slated to perform, and others are due to be announced later.
The 2020 VMA nominations are led by Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga with nine nods each, followed closely behind by both Billie Eilish and The Weeknd, who have six each. The full list of nominees is available here, where you can view and vote for your faves across 15 gender-neutral categories right now.
The 2020 VMAs will air live at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Sunday, August 30 across MTV’s linear and digital platforms from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, as well as from various iconic locations throughout the five boroughs in New York City. Find everything you need to know about the special evening here.
