The 2020 VMAs are one of the first nationally syndicated live award shows since COVID-19 shut down most large gatherings back in March, and News 8’s Entertainment Insider McKinzie Roth has a preview of the big night for you.

The show will air live from New York City on Sunday, Aug. 30, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. It will feature performances taking place across all five boroughs. 

MTV confirmed that the show would be held outdoors, with few or no audience members in attendance, as opposed to taking place at the Barclays Center as originally planned.

Is there a pre-show?

Yes. There will also be pre-show performances by Chloe x Halle, Jack Harlow, Lewis Capaldi, Tate McRae, and Machine Gun Kelly featuring Travis Barker and blackbear.

Who is performing at the VMAs?

For the main event, BTS, in their first-ever VMAs performance, will present the TV debut of their new English-language single “Dynamite.” Miley Cyrus, who hosted the show in 2015 and just released the single “Midnight Sky,” will also take the stage. 

And, for the first time since 2013, Mother Monster herself, Lady Gaga, is set to take the stage. She and Ariana Grande will perform their hit single “Rain on Me,” in the world premiere televised performance of Gaga’s latest release, Chromatica.

Doja Cat, The Weeknd will also perform. And, the Black Eyed Peas are set for their debut VMA performance!!!

Who’s hosting?

Keke Palmer has been tapped to host this year’s awards. 

Who’s presenting the awards? 

Drew Barrymore, Blink-182’s Travis Barker, Kelly Clarkson, and Hamilton star Anthony Ramos will present awards on Sunday. Also serving as presenters will be 

Bebe Rexha, Bella Hadid, Jaden Smith, Joey King, Machine Gun Kelly, Madison Beer, Nicole Richie, and Sofia Carson.

Who are some of the VMA nominees?

Grande and Gaga lead the pack with nine nominations each. “Rain on Me” netted seven nods, including Video and Song of the Year. Billie Eilish and the Weeknd follow with six nominations each, with Taylor Swift close behind, earning five.

The awards also added two new categories that reflect the current state of music. This year that includes, Best Music Video From Home and Best Quarantine Performance. 

Nominees in the latter category include Gaga for her rendition of Nat King Cole’s “Smile” on the One World: Together at Home special and John Legend for his #TogetherAtHome Concert Series gig. 

What else can I expect?

This year’s show will also honor “Everyday Heroes: Frontline Medical Workers” by celebrating the best performances by first responders including doctors, nurses, and other medical workers.