With seven nominations each, the leading contenders for the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards are Kendrick Lamar, Lil Nas X, and Jack Harlow.
Lil Nas X and Harlow’s hit song “Industry Baby,” which they co-wrote, received many nominations for video of the year on Tuesday, according to MTV. Both artists will compete for artist of the year alongside Drake, Bad Bunny, Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, and Lizzo.
Lamar, who is up for best cinematography for the first time since 2018, has two songs competing: “family connections” and “N95.” Also up for awards were best hip-hop, direction, visual effects, editing, and video for good, all of which included the rapper.
The next-most nominations, six, went to Styles and Doja Cat. Drake, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, Sheeran, and Billie Eilish each received five.
Madonna, the most honored performer in MTV history with 20 wins, is the first performer to be nominated for a VMA in each of the five decades. Her 14th studio album, “Madame X,” received her 69th nomination.
26 new nominees, including Baby Keem with four nominations, Kacey Musgraves, GAYLE, and Mneskin with two apiece, will compete for the honors.
The VMAs will be held in the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on August 28. At vote.mtv.com, fan voting for 22 categories will start on Tuesday.