The California rock group Red Hot Chili Peppers has been recognized with the honorary Global Icon award. The announcement came as the MTV Video Music Awards prepare to celebrate in New Jersey, United States, on August 28. The recognition marks a career-spanning tribute to the band and its impact on popular music and culture over the decades.
The honor was accompanied by a nomination in the best video category for the track “Black Summer” from the band’s 2022 album Unlimited Love. The award underscores the band’s enduring influence on the music landscape and their lasting legacy in the industry and among fans worldwide.
That same news confirmed the band’s return to the VMAs stage, marking a significant moment since their last appearance at the ceremony in 2000. The performance is set to be a highlight of the evening, offering fans a rare chance to see the quartet back in action on one of music’s biggest stages. The event, broadcast from New Jersey, is expected to draw viewers from around the world and be a focal point in the awards season this year [MTV announcement].
In addition to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the VMAs lineup features a slate of high-profile performances from artists including Anitta, BLACKPINK, J Balvin, Jack Harlow, Lizzo, Måneskin, Marshmello x Khalid, Nicki Minaj, and Panic! At the Disco. Each act brings its own current era of chart-topping hits and dynamic stage presence, contributing to a show that aims to celebrate contemporary pop, hip-hop, rock, and international music scenes alike [Event lineup press release].
The evening will also honor three hip-hop icons as hosts. LL COOL J, Jack Harlow, and Nicki Minaj are set to receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award for their career achievements and lasting influence in video music. Their hosting duties and the award recognition amplify the ceremony’s focus on longevity, versatility, and excellence across generations of artists [Ceremony sourcing materials].
As the nominations rotate across several categories, the spotlight falls on a diverse mix of candidates. Jack Harlow, Lil Nas X, Kendrick Lamar lead the list with multiple nominations, followed by Doja Cat and Harry Styles, who each earned a broad slate of nominations. Billie Eilish, Drake, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd are also prominent contenders, reflecting the broad appeal of the VMAs in today’s music culture. The nominations spotlight the broad reach of contemporary music, from rap and pop to alternative sounds and beyond [Nomination announcement].
Among the all-time greats associated with the VMAs, Madonna remains a towering figure, holding a record as one of the most awarded artists in MTV history. Her legacy—spanning decades and several generations of fans—continues to be a point of reference at the VMAs this year, where the show will be broadcast live to more than 170 countries. The event’s global footprint underscores the enduring power of music video as a form of artistry and storytelling that transcends borders [Historical context notes].