Mayor de Blasio Announces the 2018 "MTV VMAs" Will Return to NYC and Air Live From Radio City Music Hall on Monday, August 20

NEW YORK — Today, Mayor de Blasio announced the 2018 "MTV VMAs" will return to NYC and air live on Monday, August 20 from Radio City Music Hall. Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner Julie Menin joined the iconic VMA Moon Person, Bruce Gillmer, Global Head of Music/Talent, Co-Brand Lead, MTV International and Darren Pfeffer, Executive Vice President of MSG live to announce the news with a street renaming and symbolic "moon landing" on Manhattan's Avenue of the Americas, under the marquee of the famed venue. Radio City Music Hall was the home of the inaugural VMAs in 1984 and this will mark the 12th time the show has been held there – the most for any VMA location. 2018 will be the 17th time the "MTV VMAs" have been held in New York City.

"New York City's creative energy has always fueled those who live and work here," said Mayor de Blasio. "This is where music, film, and art collide and where the Video Music Awards were born. There is no better place to host the MTV VMAs than in New York City at one of the most iconic venues in the world."

"We are so pleased that the MTV VMAs will be returning to their roots in New York City for this year's celebration of music, and entertainment," said Media and Entertainment Commissioner Julie Menin. "Prestigious awards shows like the VMAs and the Grammys not only reconfirm New York City's status as the music capital of the country, but they bring tremendous economic benefits to their host city, an estimated $50 million in the case of the VMAs. I thank MTV, which is being revitalized through the return of shows like TRL, and Viacom for their partnership, and we look forward to rolling out the red carpet for one of the music industry's most entertaining nights."

New York City is a fitting choice to host the VMAs. It is the birthplace and incubator of so many of music's most popular genres – from salsa music in East Harlem to disco in midtown, from punk rock in the East Village to hip hop in the Bronx. The city continues to be at the forefront of music innovation with 72 digital music companies – more than San Francisco and Los Angeles combined.

"I am thrilled that the MTV VMAs will once again be held in its hometown of New York City. New York has nurtured so many iconic artists - from Madonna to Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys to Cardi B - that it's safe to say the show belongs here. My dancing shoes are ready and waiting," said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

"New York is a global hub for innovation in music, film, and dance – and that's why the VMAs keep coming back to their first home in New York and Radio City Music Hall," said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. "Whenever a creative industry holds its marquee event here in New York, it brings tangible economic benefits for New Yorkers and further cements our city's place as a global cultural leader."

Assembly Member O'Donnell, Chair of the Committee on Arts and Tourism said, "I'm pleased to hear that MTV's VMAs will be in New York City in 2018, making it the 17th time our city gets to host this awards show, the most times of any city! While the event has obvious economic benefits that have already been mentioned, it also gives us great pride across New York to have had legendary artists like Jay-Z, Madonna, the Beastie Boys, and now Cardi B receive awards just a subway ride away from where they live."

"We are excited to welcome back the MTV VMAs to the city that helped make it the cultural phenomenon it is today. New York City takes enormous pride in the institutions that support and encourage the music industry, and MTV has been an innovator on the award show circuit since the beginning," said Council Member Peter Koo, Chair of the Technology Committee. "Thanks to MTV, Radio City Music Hall and the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment for making this partnership happen."

"On behalf of all New Yorkers, we welcome the VMAs back to New York City," said Council Member Keith Powers. "From the birthplace of punk rock music at CBGB's to the invention of hip hop in the Bronx, New York City has always been the mecca of music. Today, one thing is clear: New Yorkers want their MTV."

Jesse Ignjatovic returns as Executive Producer for the 2018 "MTV Video Music Awards." Bruce Gillmer and Garrett English are Executive Producers. Melanie Block serves as Executive in Charge of Production. Amani Duncan is Music Executive in Charge. Wendy Plaut is Celebrity Talent Executive in Charge.