This year at the MTV Video Music Awards, Jennifer Lopez will receive the night’s highest honor as she is to be the recipient of the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. It was while J-Lo was on air with MTV host Sway Calloway during an interview that the announcement was revealed.
The Vanguard Award has recognized great accomplishments for music performers since the first Video Music Awards ceremony in 1984. In 1991, the award was renamed after Michael Jackson, who received the honor in 1988. Past recipients of the award also include the likes of David Bowie, The Beatles, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Rihanna.
It’s an honor that’s been a long time coming for Jenny, who has since laid claim to a career that’s seen over 80 million records sold worldwide, three No. 1 albums, and 16 top 10 hit songs.
Lopez also became the first woman to have a number one album and film in the same week with her self-titled J.Lo and her romantic comedy The Wedding Planner in 2001.
Naturally, the honor will be accompanied by a live performance from Lopez herself, marking the first time the singer has performed live at the show since 2001. She is also nominated for two additional VMAs, including Best Collaboration and Best Latin, both for her DJ Khaled and Cardi B-assisted “Dinero” single.
The MTV Video Music Awards go down Monday, August 20th live from Radio City Music Hall.