Cardi B and The Carters reign supreme as top nominees for the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards

The nominations are in! MTV announced on Monday via IGTV on Instagram the nominees for this year’s MTV Video Music Awards. Cardi B leads the way with a rousing 10 categories, including Video and Artist of the Year. Beyoncé and Jay Z are the runner-ups with eight nominations such as Best Hip-Hop Video for their latest hit single, “APES**T.” Following suit are Childish Gambino, Drake, and Bruno Mars among the top contenders.

Although Cardi is a fan favorite for Best New Artist, she’s facing some steep competition as Bazzi, Hayley Kiyoko, Lil Pump, Lil Uzi Vert and Chloe x Halle round out the category. She also has Bruno Mars to thank for adding her to the “Finesse (Remix),” as they are up for Best Collaboration. Other nominees include Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line for “Meant To Be” and N.E.R.D. with Rihanna for their smash hit “Lemon.”

In addition to the usual VMAs, MTV has added some new categories. Push Artist of the Year is a supplement to Best New Artist as it emphasizes the network’s monthly highlight of artists on the rise. The nominees include TDE artist SZA, the “American Teen” Khalid and Canadian newcomer Jessie Reyez. After a five-year hiatus, the network is recognizing Latin artists again with the Best Latin Award. After Luis Fonsi’s smash hit “Despacito” was snubbed from the show last year, perhaps the hit record was a wakeup call for MTV to be more inclusive of Latin musicians. This year’s nominees include J Balvin for his hit record “Mi Gente,” along with Jennifer Lopez, Daddy Yankee, and Shakira.

Notably missing from the night’s top categories are artists who are known for being MTV favorites. Although Taylor Swift had a huge year with hit singles such as “Delicate” and “Look What You Made Me Do,” the latter only managed to nab nominations in the technical categories such as Best Art Direction and Best Visual Effects. After being crowned the VMAs top winner in 2017 for his video, “Humble,” Kendrick Lamar only nabbed one nomination this year for Best Visual Effects with his “Black Panther” single “All The Stars.”

The network has yet to announce the list of performers along with the recipient for the night’s most prestigious category, the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. The VMAs are set to air on Monday, August 20 at Radio City Music Hall.