Jennifer Lopez will receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.
The pop icon will be honored for her contributions over the past 20 years, and also take the stage to perform live for the first time at the VMAs since 2001.
“With a legacy that spawns over two decades, Lopez is one the most iconic and influential multi-hyphenates across music, film, television, fashion, business and philanthropy,” said MTV in a press release.
J.Lo, who is nominated for two VMAs this year for her Cardi B and DJ Khaled-assisted single “Dinero,” joins a prestigious list past Vanguard recipients including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Guns N’ Roses, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Kanye West, Rihanna, and P!nk.
During an interview with Sway Calloway on Facebook Live, J.Lo spoke about joining her idols including Michael Jackson and Madonna. “Their videos inspired me to do the videos that I did,” she said. “So now to be 20 years in and here and winning this award, it’s mind blowing.”
The 2018 MTV VMAs will air live from New York City’s Radio City Music Hall on Monday, Aug. 20, at 9 p.m. PM ET/PT.