*After weeks of speculation that Missy Elliott would receive the coveted Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2018 MTV VMAs, the network announced Tuesday that the honor will go to Jennifer Lopez.
The accolade recognizes artists who have had an indelible impact on the music industry, with J.Lo following in the footsteps of fellow superstars like Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Britney Spears, and last year’s honoree, Pink.
“It is amazing,” Lopez gushed in a Facebook Live chat with MTV’s Sway Calloway. “Honestly, I mean, growing up on MTV and watching all my idols get this award, to be the recipient this year, I can’t even believe it; I’m so excited.”
The Video Vanguard Award was first presented in 1984 to a trio of musicians – David Bowie, The Beatles, and Richard Lester, and it was renamed after the King of Pop in 1991, three years after he was celebrated with the top prize.
J.Lo will receive her honor during the ceremony on Aug. 20 at Radio City Music Hall in her native New York.
The singer/actress will also have the chance to take home a further two trophies as her single “Dinero,” with DJ Khaled and Cardi B, is nominated for Best Collaboration and Best Latin Video.
