Twin Cities music lovers have another reason to watch Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards other than the chance to see the videos the network never actually shows anymore: Our very own Lizzo is playing a key role in the 7 p.m. red-carpet pre-show.
"So excited to announce that I'm hosting the @MTV #VMAs2016 with @DJKhaled and @CtheGod," the "Good as Hell" rapper/singer tweeted out Wednesday, referring to hip-hop powerbroker and her new pal Khaled as well as Wendy Williams' radio sidekick Charlamagne Tha God as her co-hosts. Apparently, she will be getting her Joan Rivers on and chatting up folks as they arrive, as well as introducing some pre-show performances.
This is only the start of what could be a long relationship between Lizzo and MTV; she's also been tapped to co-host a new live music and comedy series, "Wonderland," which the network is launching sometime this fall -- purportedly to put the "music" back in its name (it's also relaunching "MTV Unplugged"). Lizzo's big personality will undoubtedly shine through on screen, but here's hoping these on-air gigs won't cut a whole lot into her output on record and on stage. She signed with Atlantic Records earlier this year ahead of the release of "Good as Hell," a single from the "Barbershop 3" soundtrack.
The VMAs news tops off a rather eventful week or two for Lizzo. She also just earned a big write-up from Vibe and a slot opening for LL Cool J's after-party at the Austin City Limits Festival in October. Next weekend, she will make her debut at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado with her homies Atmosphere, who just landed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard rap albums chart today following the release of "Fishing Blues."
As for the VMAs, they will air Sunday at 8 p.m. CT from Madison Square Garden and will feature performances by Britney Spears, Ariana Grande with Nicki Minaj, Future, Nick Jonas and this year's Video Vanguard honoree Rihanna. Rumor has it Beyoncé -- who leads in awards nominations alongside Adele -- also might make a surprise appearance on stage.
