It’s official: Ariana Grande will make it rain on stage with Lady Gaga at the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards for the debut TV performance of their No. 1 duet “Rain On Me.”
The pop star caused quite the storm when she announced her addition to the VMAs’ A-list lineup of performers Tuesday (Aug. 18) on Instagram with a whimsical video of Grande and Gaga in the clouds. The two lead this year’s nominations with nine each, and seven of them are specifically for “Rain On Me,” including video of the year, song of the year, best collaboration, best pop, best cinematography, best visual effects, and best choreography.
The VMAs officially invited Gaga back to the stage last Thursday (Aug. 13) for “the world premiere televised performance of her latest release,” but MTV had not specified the “Rain On Me” collaboration with Grande at press time. Gaga last performed at the VMAs in 2013 when she opened the telecast with “Applause,” while Grande last performed at the 2018 ceremony with her heavenly “God is a woman” showcase.
BTS, Doja Cat, J Balvin, The Weeknd, Roddy Ricch, Maluma and CNCO were previously announced as performers for the evening, while Keke Palmer is set as the show’s host.
Fans can vote for their favorites across 15 gender-neutral categories, including video of the year and artist of the year through Sunday, Aug. 23 at vma.mtv.com. Voting for PUSH best new artist presented by Chime Banking will remain open until the show is on the air.
The 2020 MTV VMAs will air live from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 8 p.m. EST.
See Grande’s official announcement below.
