Ariana Grande and Austin Mahone are set to light up the MTV Video Music Awards pre-show in Brooklyn, bringing an electric warm-up that kicks off the night’s celebrations. The pre-show serves as the first spark before the main event, giving audiences a taste of the energy, style, and surprise moments that make the VMAs a must-see on the calendar. In a city known for its music tradition and creative vibe, Brooklyn provides a vibrant backdrop for two rising stars to start the evening with confident, high-energy performances. Fans arriving early will be treated to a sense of momentum that will carry through the rest of the night, as lights, cheers, and the buzz of anticipation combine to create a shared moment of excitement. The decision to open with this dynamic duo highlights the VMAs’ focus on fresh talent alongside established icons, and it promises a night that blends catchy pop with contemporary pop culture moments.
Ariana Grande will offer a pair of early hits to set the mood for the audience. She is scheduled to perform The Way and Baby I, tracks from her debut album Yours Truly that helped propel her into the pop mainstream. The Way brought a bold blend of R&B influences and radio-ready hooks, while Baby I showcased Grande’s sweeping vocal range and signature charm. The choice of these songs signals a celebration of her beginnings and an invitation to fans to revisit the moment when she started a rapid ascent in music. Sharing the stage with her is Austin Mahone, who is set to entertain the crowd with his latest single, What About Love. Mahone’s performance will provide a contrast to Grande’s nostalgia-forward set, offering a contemporary pop sound that resonates with younger viewers while still appealing to long-time listeners. Together, their appearances at the pre-show create a lively opening that previews the diversity of talent the VMAs aim to highlight, from earnest ballads to upbeat dance-pop and beyond.
The two artists will join a star-studded lineup that already features top names in music and entertainment. Listeners can expect an eclectic mix of performances from Lady Gaga, Robin Thicke, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry and Kanye West, among others, as the VMAs edge toward a night of memorable fashion moments and bold stagecraft. The broadcast is scheduled to go live on Sunday, August 25 at 9 p.m. EST, with the pre-show airing at 8 p.m. EST. The schedule underscores how the VMAs have become a full evening experience rather than a single telecast, with fans around the world tuning in for a multi-hour celebration of music videos, artist storytelling, and surprising collaborations. The Brooklyn audience will be part of a global moment, as people at home and in the arena share reactions in real time across social platforms.
With Ariana Grande, Austin Mahone and a slate of iconic performers, the VMAs pre-show in Brooklyn is shaping up to be a dynamic opening that leverages fresh energy and familiar hits. Viewers watching from home can expect a performance-driven lead-in to the main event, a chance to witness live interpretations of beloved songs and possibly new collaborations that fans will discuss for weeks. The pre-show serves as a warm invitation into a night where music videos, fashion, and creative expression take center stage. As fans prepare for the broadcast, anticipation builds around which moments will become the defining conversations of the awards season, and whether the show will set a tone that resonates beyond the night itself.