The “MTV Video Music Awards” will bestow Rihanna with its highest honor, the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, for, as the press release states, “her decade-long impact on music, pop culture, fashion, film and philanthropy.”
Rihanna – a two-time VMA “Video of the Year” winner and the youngest solo artist to score 14 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, and the fastest to do so – will perform during the ceremony live from New York’s Madison Square Garden on Sunday, August 28 at 9:00 PM ET/PT.
With this honor, Rihanna joins the list of past Vanguard recipients including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Peter Gabriel, Guns N’ Roses, Beastie Boys, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce and Kanye West.
With over 81 million Facebook fans, 64 million Twitter and 42 million Instagram followers, chief among her philanthropic efforts is her own Clara Lionel Foundation. Established in 2012 and named after Rihanna’s grandparents Clara and Lionel Braithwaite, the foundation works to improve the quality of life for communities globally in the areas of health, Education, arts and Culture.
Jesse Ignjatovic/Den of Thieves is the Executive Producer for the 2016 “MTV Video Music Awards.” Garrett English, Erik Flannigan, Sandy Alouete, Lee Lodge and Jen Jones are Executive Producers. Garrett English also serves as Executive in Charge of Production for MTV. Hamish Hamilton is Director. Wendy Plaut is Executive in Charge of Celebrity Talent.