2 years ago / 7:24 PM EDT

Shakira teases her 10-minute performance tonight

During her pre-show interview, Shakira teased her performance that will encompass her decadeslong career.

"I think it's a pretty dynamic performance. I hope it's not too long," she said.

The Colombian pop star also shared her experience envisioning and creating her larger-than-life music videos.

"Videos are a way to express whatever I couldn't finish expressing with my lyrics. Visuals are so powerful," she said.

Shakira might worry the performance will be too long, but I think we'll all love it too much to think about the duration.

Shakira at the MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, N.J., on Tuesday.Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images
2 years ago / 7:23 PM EDT

Tiffany Haddish talks about her new single

Tiffany Haddish promoted her song “Till The Club Closes” (with Lil Jon & Fivio Foreign) during her VMAs carpet appearance.

"I've been taking my savings and putting into the things I love," she said. "'I've been creating all this really great music."

She joked that the last time she partied until the club closed was four days ago, when she maybe took a nap in the club. 

I'd do the same.

Tiffany Haddish at the MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, N.J., on Tuesday.Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images
2 years ago / 7:09 PM EDT

Even those walking the carpet seem VMAs nostalgic

Is it us, or does it feel like everyone doing interviews on the carpet seems excited to be at the VMAs because they grew up watching it?

2 years ago / 7:08 PM EDT

Tomorrow X Together wins first award of the night

Tomorrow X Together is the first to receive a VMA tonight, winning Push performance of the year for its song “Sugar Rush Ride.”

It's the South Korean boy band's first ever VMA win.

“Tonight is a night we will remember forever. Thank you VMAs,” Huening Kai said.

The group will debut its new song “Back for More” with Anitta later.

Yeonjun, HueningKai, Beomgyu, Taehyun and Soobin of Tomorrow X Together at the MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, N.J., on Tuesday.Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images
2 years ago / 6:58 PM EDT

Cardi B gushes over Megan Thee Stallion

During a pre-show interview, Cardi B said “hip-hop is everything" to her.

She gave a shoutout to her hometown, the Bronx, the birthplace of the genre.

Tonight, there will be a celebratory performance commemorating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Cardi B also shared her appreciation for "Bongos" collaborator Megan Thee Stallion.

"We work so great together. She's hard-working. I'm hard-working. ... She trusts me, and I trust her," she said of their friendship.

The two rappers are also expected to perform their new single tonight. 

Cardi B at the MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, N.J., on Tuesday.Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images
2 years ago / 6:55 PM EDT

Is tonight going to be a nostalgia fest?

It already feels like the VMAs are leaning into (and possibly relying on?) nostalgia by previewing this hip-hop tribute and having Nelly perform alongside NLE Choppa.

2 years ago / 6:47 PM EDT

The inspo behind Saweetie's outfit

Saweetie says her pink look, featuring a bone (?), is “fresh off the runway.” The inspiration is “caveman days” or “fashion when it first started.”

She kind of looks like the yassification of "The Flintstones," and we're here for it.

Saweetie at the MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, N.J., on Tuesday.Evan Agostini / Invision / AP
2 years ago / 6:41 PM EDT

Nelly performs at pre-show

Not us gasping at Nelly performing "Hot In Herre." This millennial is feeling nostalgic.

2 years ago / 6:35 PM EDT

Megan Thee Stallion stuns ahead of her VMAs performance

Megan Thee Stallion is bringing hot girl energy in a custom Brandon Blackwood corset dress at the VMAs red carpet.

The rapper will be performing her new single "Bongos," featuring Cardi B, later tonight.

Megan Thee Stallion at the MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, N.J., on Tuesday.Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images
2 years ago / 6:31 PM EDT

MTV's pre-show has kicked off

The pre-show has officially begun!

Hosted by Saweetie, the pre-show will actually reveal the night’s first big winners in addition to interviews as stars begin to arrive on the pink carpet.