UNITED STATES: The nominations for the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards are around the horizon, recognising outstanding visuals during the eligibility period.
Clips from August 2022 to July 2023 are being considered, and the competition for awards seems to be more open than ever, especially with no clear frontrunner for Video of the Year. Still, this perhaps makes the contest even more thrilling this year.
Taylor Swift is undoubtedly the year’s biggest star, with her immensely successful album “Midnights” and her ongoing Eras Tour. She stands out as the sole three-time winner of Video of the Year, a feat unmatched by anyone else. Among her potential contenders, her number-one hit “Anti Hero” stands out as a strong choice for a win, considering it was directed solely by Swift herself.
If it secures a win, she’ll achieve her second self-directed video victory following last year’s “All Too Well (10-Minute Version).” Moreover, it would mark her first consecutive win, making her the first artist to do so, and solidify her record as the most awarded individual in the category.
However, Swift may encounter tough competition from SZA, who seems to be her main rival at upcoming award shows. SZA’s sophomore album, “SOS,” has been, the album’s most successful song, features an impressive video paying tribute to Quentin Tarantino’s movie and showcasing SZA on a quest for revenge. If SZA wins, she’ll become the first R&B female singer to do so since Beyoncé’s “Formation“ in 2016.
Additionally, Miley Cyrus is another competitor for Swift this year with her career-peaking song “Flowers,” which might secure her a second Video of the Year award after winning in 2015 for “Wrecking Ball,” her previous biggest hit.
Several breakout artists are vying for their first Video of the Year nomination at the VMAs. Notable contenders include Ice Spice and PinkPantheress, whose collaboration “Boy’s a Liar, Pt. 2” earned them their first top-10 hit on the Hot 100. The video’s Y2K vibes, a signature of PinkPantheress, have garnered much love.
Raye is another potential nominee with her viral hit “Escapism” featuring 070 Shake, and the video perfectly complements the song’s thrilling and creepy atmosphere. Bad Bunny, although a previous VMA winner, could secure his first Video of the Year nomination with “Where She Goes,” a Jersey club anthem with a dynamic and eclectic music video.
Lil Uzi Vert is another candidate for the Jersey club. His smash song “Just Wanna Rock” has a really entertaining and expertly made music video that is sure to appeal to voters.
Several contenders are seeking a return to the category after previous nominations. Harry Styles had a successful year, with notable wins at the Grammys during his “Harry’s House” era. He received a VMA nomination last year and has additional eligible videos from the album, including “Satellite” and “Music for a Sushi Restaurant.”
The Weeknd also had a significant year, with the hit collaboration “Creepin” alongside Metro Boomin and Video of the Year nominee 21 Savage. The Weeknd is a previous winner, securing the big prize in 2020 for “Blinding Lights.”
Additionally, keep an eye out for two female rappers: Nicki Minaj, who may earn another VOTY nomination for her smash hit “Super Freaky Girl,” and Doja Cat, whose stylistic and introspective “Attention” is a strong contender.
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