NEW YORK, NY (August 12, 2019) – MTV today announced music icon Missy Elliott will receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2019 VMAs. She will also perform live, returning to the VMAs stage for the first time since 2003. With a legacy that spans three decades, Elliott is one of the most influential musicians known for elevating other music artists.

“Missy’s impact on the music landscape is indelible,” said Bruce Gillmer, Head of Music and Music Talent, Viacom and Co-Brand Head, MTV International. “Her creative vision across production, performance and songwriting is unmatched.”

Elliott is a groundbreaking solo superstar, pioneering producer, songwriter, singer, rapper and cultural icon who has transformed the global music scene. The five-time GRAMMY® Award winner has achieved unprecedented success and sold over 30 million records worldwide. Known for classic hit singles, “Work It,” “Get Ur Freak On” and “WTF (Where They From),” Elliott leads the field in her innovation, creativity and influence on other artists. Earlier this year, she was named the first female hip-hop artist inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Elliott has an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music, and is the only female rapper to have six studio albums certified platinum, including her debut 1997 album “Supa Dupa Fly,” and 2002 blockbuster “Under Construction.” She joins a prestigious list of past Vanguard recipients, including Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Guns N’ Roses, Britney Spears, Kanye West, Rihanna and P!nk.

MTV is partnering with PEPSI® to host a pop-up fan event, “MTV & Pepsi® Celebrate the Museum of Missy Elliott,” in New York City on August 24-25th that will highlight this unapologetic icon who helped redefine hip-hop. As fans walk through the installations, they will be completely immersed in some of Elliott’s most groundbreaking music videos and costumes. Location and ticketing information to be revealed at a later date. Additionally, the brands will celebrate Elliott’s legacy through celebrity and fan tribute videos leading up to her Vanguard performance.

Comedian, actor and best-selling author Sebastian Maniscalco will host the 2019 VMAs live from Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on Monday, August 26, 2019. The show will air across MTV’s global network of channels in more than 180 countries and territories, reaching more than half a billion households around the world. Music’s biggest stars and fans will celebrate the year’s most iconic videos with electrifying performances, viral moments and a new, first-of-its-kind immersive fan experience.

Official sponsors of the 2019 “MTV Video Music Awards” include Extra® Refreshers Gum, PEPSI®, Taco Bell®, the 2020 Toyota Corolla, and truth®.

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Bruce Gillmer and Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic are Executive Producers for the 2019 “VMAs.” Barb Bialkowski is Co-Executive Producer. Jackie Barba, Joe Buoye and Alicia Portugal serve as Executive in Charge of Production. Amani Duncan is Executive in Charge of Music. Wendy Plaut is Executive in Charge of Celebrity Talent.

About MTV:
MTV is the leading global youth media brand in 180 countries, reaching 450 million households in nearly 30 different languages across every platform. A unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), MTV operations span cable and mobile networks, live events, theatrical films and MTV Studios.