MTV

SZA's runaway success following her "SOS" album last year wasn't enough for the MTV VMAs committee to nominate her for Artist of the Year ... a move Top Dawg Entertainment deemed disrespectful enough to yank her from the show.

Terrence 'Punch' Henderson told THR on Friday, he repeatedly attempted to get clarity as to why her album's 10-week run at No. 1 didn't earn her even a nomination alongside Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, Shakira, Karol G and Taylor Swift.

SZA was nominated for other awards, and was scheduled to perform, but as Punch put it ... "Why go perform and do this if she’s not going to be respected to the highest level?"

He says that's why he effectively terminated all things VMAs for SZA this year. As far as who's really beefing ... Punch says it's all him, not SZA, harboring the animosity. He says it's not in SZA's character to hold this kinda grudge.

MTV is boasting its highest-ever VMA impressions on social media, evidence they did something right with the viewing audience -- but it wasn't good enough to get SZA onstage that night.

*NSYNC fans are already itching for a worldwide tour or new album from the group after their reunion at the VMAs ... but it just ain't gonna happen, TMZ has learned.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... despite the group's iconic reunion Tuesday night, they have no plans to tour, do a residency, album, or any other pop-up reunions.

After the VMAs, we're told bandmates Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, Lance Bass, and Chris Kirkpatrick -- along with their management team and close friends -- all went to dinner at Ambra in NYC ... which was a group close to 50 people.

Our sources say they all had some amazing conversations and laughs during the dinner, which had a menu with the band's name on it. We're told everyone was glad to be back under the same roof all these years later.

BTW, we've confirmed the rumors the group is featured on a song for the upcoming movie, "Trolls Band Together" ... which focuses on Justin Timberlake's character reuniting with his 4 brothers who were all part of a boy band in the past -- pretty meta.

So there might not be an album, but at least a new song is coming soon!

Tuesday night's appearance was the first time they've all been at the VMAs together since 2013. As we reported, a source connected to the group told us they wouldn't be performing but would only be presenting an award ... which ended up going to Taylor Swift.

Cardi B y Offset no pudieron quitarse las manos de encima en los MTV VMAs, y decidieron grabar un video sexual, (al menos, falso), durante un descanso en el baño del recinto.

La pareja se besuqueó en un baño del evento el martes por la noche. Estaban completamente vestidos, pero fingiendo tener relaciones sexuales con Cardi inclinada y haciendo algunos sonidos salvajes, mientras grababa el momento para la posteridad.

Entre medio de sus quejidos, se escucha como si un amigo fuera del baño estuviera buscando un cargador de teléfono. ¡Cardi le dice a la mujer que entre a buscar el suyo! Offset era todo sonrisas mientras todo ocurría. Muy diferente de su amiga, quien entró de mala gana a la habitación y provocó risas en Cardi.

Si te estás preguntando qué los puso así.. No es que necesiten un motivo exactamente, pero vale la pena señalar que Cardi estaba usando el mismo atuendo que utilizó para su actuación de "Bongos" con Megan Thee Stallion. Podemos decir con seguridad, que Offset estaba hechizado con su atuendo también.

Por supuesto, hemos visto a la pareja ponerse cachonda antes. A finales de julio, vimos a Cardi perreando sobre él en Las Vegas, mientras disfrutaban de la piscina. Ella publicó el video el mismo día en que fue nombrada sospechosa en el caso del lanzamiento de un micrófono en uno de sus conciertos.

Por cierto, Cardi B era candidata a Mejor Hip Hop en los VMA por "Tomorrow 2", la colaboración que realizaron junto a GloRilla. Pero no ganaron.

Cardi B and Offset couldn't keep their hands off of each other at the MTV VMAs, and decided to make a sex tape -- a fake one, anyway -- during a bathroom break at the venue.

The couple got their bump n' grind on in a restroom at Tuesday night's event -- they were fully clothed, but pretending to have sex with Cardi bent over and making some pretty wild sounds ... as she recorded the moment for posterity.

Sounds like a friend outside the bathroom was looking for a phone charger, and through her moans ... Cardi tells the woman to come in and get hers! Offset was all smiles during the funny moment, while their pal reluctantly walked into the room, making Cardi laugh.

If you're wondering what got them in the mood -- they don't exactly need one, but it's worth noting Cardi was in the outfit she wore for her performance of "Bongos" with Megan Thee Stallion. Safe to assume ... Offset was feeling her 'fit!

Of course, we've seen the couple get nasty before -- she was twerking on him in Vegas at the end of July while enjoying their pool, and she posted that clip the same day she was named a suspect in the now-dropped microphone-throwing case.

BTW, Cardi was up for Best Hip Hop at the VMAs for "Tomorrow 2," her collab with GloRilla, but they didn't win.

We're sure she was feelin' like a winner in the bathroom, though!

With all of the big stars -- Taylor, Nicki, Selena and more -- do you think the MTV VMAs have gained credibility again? Vote below.

Taylor Swift no sólo se llevó el gran premio de los VMAs, también fue muy popular en internet gracias a varios momentos virales durante la noche. Desde darlo todo en la pista de baile hasta destrozar anillos caros.

La cara de la cantante de "Anti-Hero" estaba en todas las redes sociales el martes durante la ceremonia en Nueva Jersey, con sus movimientos de baile como uno de los aspectos más destacados.

Taylor estaba de pie durante la interpretanción de "Bongos", de Cardi B y Megan Thee Stallion". En un algún momento le bloqueó la vista a Ice Spice, pero Taylor estaba sintiendo la música en sus venas. También movió el cuerpo al ritmo de "A Milli" de Lil Wayne, ¡incluso rapeando!

Taylor también tuvo un momento divertido en el que parecía luchar por sacar una bebida del portavasos de su asiento. No está claro si el problema era ella, la bebida o el propio portavasos

Taylor Swift se aseguró de proporcionar un poco de angustia también, ya que rompió un anillo de $12k que llevaba al show.

Como sabéis, Taylor se llevó a casa 9 premios en los VMAs, incluyendo Show del Verano, Vídeo del Año y Artista del Año.

Taylor Swift didn't just take home some VMAs hardware, she also won the internet thanks to several viral moments during the night -- from feelin' the groove to destroying expensive bling.

The "Anti-Hero" singer's face was all over social media Tuesday as the ceremony went down in New Jersey ... with her dance moves as one of the leading highlights.

Taylor was on her feet during Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's "Bongos" performance -- at one point blocking Ice Spice's view of the show, but Taylor was feelin' it. She was also moving her body to Lil Wayne's "A Milli" ... even rapping along!

TS had a funny moment pick up steam, too -- showing her appear to struggle to get a drink out of her seat's cupholder. Unclear if the problem was her, the booze, or the holder itself.

Taylor Swift made sure to provide a little heartbreak too though, apparently breaking a $12k ring she wore to the show.

As you know, Taylor took home 9 awards at the VMAs, including Show of the Summer, Video of the Year, and Artist of the Year.

If there was a Viral Artist of the Night category, she totally would've dominated that one, too.

With all of the big stars -- Taylor, Nicki, Selena and more -- do you think the MTV VMAs have gained credibility again? Vote below.

The real fun at the MTV VMAs started when the show was over ... as celebs like Cardi B, Taylor Swift, and many more hit up after-parties to keep the big night going.

It was poppin' at several post-VMA bashes Tuesday night -- a couple big ones in NYC, while the main ceremony went down in New Jersey.

Looks like the stars were divided in the Big Apple -- folks like Taylor, Selena Gomez, Cara Delevingne, Diddy and Ice Spice hit up the MTV party at The Ned NoMad Hotel, while other big names like Lil Nas X, Tiffany Haddish, and French Montana went to Cardi B's party at Somewhere Nowhere.

Of course, Cardi and Offset showed up together to their shindig -- the couple walked inside hand in hand looking like the king and queen of the prom.

Both spots were swarming with celebs ... other artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Saweetie, GloRilla, and Swae Lee were spotted having a blast, too.

The artists had plenty to celebrate after some big VMA wins -- Ice Spice took home the award for Best New Artist, the show's emcee, Nicki Minaj, won Best Hip-Hop for "Super Freaky Girl," Stray Kids secured a W for Best K-Pop, and SZA got a Moonperson statuette for Best R&B.

Taylor Swift certainly came out of the event victorious ... collecting 9 wins overall, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Show of the Summer.

In other words, a great year for Swifties.

With all of the big stars -- Taylor, Nicki, Selena and more -- do you think the MTV VMAs have gained credibility again? Vote below.

Selena Gomez is getting the internet meme treatment after her disapproving reaction to Chris Brown at the VMAs, but she quickly clapped back once the award show was over.

In case ya missed it, Selena was on camera Tuesday night while the nominees for Best R&B were read out, and the now-viral moment went down as Chris' name was announced.

Check it out ... she scrunches her face and stops clapping as his collab with Chloe Bailey, "How Does It Feel," was announced. Her smile returned and her clapping continued after they moved on to the next nom, however.

The singer jumped on Instagram after the festivities -- and more importantly, after the clip made the rounds ... vowing to "never be a meme again," adding she'd rather have no reaction at all than show off her genuine feelings.

As you know, Chris infamously assaulted his ex-girlfriend, Rihanna, back in 2009, and has been accused repeatedly of assaulting women over the years ... so that's more than likely why she made that face in the audience.

What's interesting is ... Selena's not denying her reaction, but it's more about her being pissed about the whole meme thing -- which btw, also included shots of her just looking bored during the award show.

Selena also made the rounds last night for covering her ears during Olivia Rodrigo's performance at the VMAs, but that seemed to be a reaction to the staged act gone wrong ... as onstage explosions drowned out Olivia's vocals.

Don't forget, Selena and Rema took home the Best Afrobeats award at the ceremony for "Calm Down" ... and she thanked her collaborator for believing in her and letting her be a part of the track.

Fittingly, that song title is basically Selena's reaction to all the memes.

Do you think Selena Gomez's viral reaction was actually shade? Vote below.

Selena Gomez está convirtiéndose en un meme por todo Internet, luego de su reacción de desaprobación hacia Chris Brown en los VMAs. Sin embargo, decidió responder rápidamente una vez que el show de premios se acabara.

En caso de que te lo hayas perdido, Selena estaba en cámara el martes por la noche mientras se presentaban los nominados a Mejor R&B... y el momento que se convirtió en viral fue cuando se anunció el nombre de Chris.

Echa un vistazo. Se la puede ver frunciendo el ceño y dejando de aplaudir cuando su colaboración con Chloe Bailey, "How Does It Feel", fue anunciada. Sin embargo, volvió a sonreír y a aplaudir cuando pasaron al siguiente nominado.

La cantante corrió a Instagram después de la celebración, y lo más importante, después de que el clip se hiciera viral, prometiendo que "no volverá a ser un meme", añadiendo que prefiere no tener ninguna reacción en absoluto que mostrar sus sentimientos genuinos.

Como ustedes saben, Chris infamemente atacó a su ex novia, Rihanna, en 2009, y ha sido acusado en repetidas ocasiones de agredir a las mujeres en los últimos años. Así que, probablemente, eso fue lo que la hizo poner esa cara durante el show.

Lo que es interesante es que Selena no está negando su reacción, sino que más bien está enojado por todo este asunto del meme, que, por cierto, también incluyó fotos de ella luciendo aburrida durante la entrega de los premios.

Selena también estuvo en boca de todos anoche por taparse los oídos durante la actuación de Olivia Rodrigo en los VMAs. Pero esta parece haber sido una reacción normal a la puesta en escena, que tuvo explosiones en el escenario que ahogaron la voz de Olivia.

No hay que olvidar que Selena y Rema se llevaron a casa el premio al Mejor Afrobeats en la ceremonia por "Calm Down", y que también dio las gracias a su colaborador por creer en ella y dejarla participar en este tema.

Algunos de los nombres más importantes de la música han comenzado a llegar a los MTV VMAs de este año, y tenemos todas las llegadas de la alfombra rosa.

El Prudential Center de Newark, Nueva Jersey, se parece más a Hollywood, con grandes estrellas como Megan Thee Stallion desfilando, quien se subirá al escenario junto a Cardi B más tarde para interpretar su nuevo éxito, "Bongos".

Saweetie estaba muy guapa de rosa cuando entró en el estadio, y hasta la icónica mascota de MTV incluso llegó a la fiesta con un elegante corbatín.

Como ya saben, artistas como Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift y Sam Smith competirán esta noche por la codiciada estatuilla Moonperson en varias categorías.

Este año, las mujeres dominan los VMA: las nominaciones a Artista del Año han recaído solo en cantantes, como Beyoncé y Shakira, mientras que Ed Sheeran es el único hombre que opta al premio al Mejor Pop y se enfrenta a artistas como Pink y Dua Lipa.

Por cierto, este año hay 16 canciones nominadas en la categoría de Canción del Verano, y tres de ellas pertenecen a la película "Barbie".

Como ya informamos, *NSYNC se reunió nuevamente para la entrega de premios de esta noche. Tres miembros han sido vistos en Nueva York en los últimos días, y JC Chasez fue fotografiado en un jet privado.

Una fuente conectada con el grupo nos dijo que los chicos solo van a presentar, y no a cantar uno de sus éxitos. De cualquier manera, va a ser una reunión épica.

Hablando de actuaciones, se espera que el estadio retumbe con las presentaciones de Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj -la también maestra de ceremonias de este año- y Måneskin, por no hablar de un montón de otras actuaciones musicales a medida que avance la noche.

También está previsto un gran popurrí en homenaje a los 50 años del hip-hop, similar a la gran actuación de los Grammy, en donde participaron D.M.C., Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, LL Cool J y muchos más.

Some of the biggest names in music have started to trickle in for this year's MTV VMAs, and we've got all the arrivals from the pink carpet.

The Prudential Center in Newark, NJ looks more like Hollywood -- with massive stars pulling up like Megan Thee Stallion, who's set to take the stage with Cardi B later in the night to perform their brand-new hit, "Bongos."

Saweetie was lookin' pretty in pink while stepping into the stadium, and MTV's iconic Moon-person mascot even pulled up to the shindig with a snazzy bowtie! Demi Lovato also hit the carpet looking sleek in black.

As you know, artists like Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, and Sam Smith are all dukin' it out tonight for a coveted Moonperson statue ... with many of them covering multiple categories.

It's been a female-dominated year for the VMAs -- Artist of the Year nominations went to ladies only, like Beyoncé and Shakira, while Ed Sheeran is the only guy gunning for Best Pop ... going up against singers like Pink and Dua Lipa.

BTW, there are 16 tracks up for the Song of Summer category this year, with 3 of them being from the "Barbie" movie -- go figure.

As we reported, *NSYNC is gettin' the boy band back together for a reunion at tonight's award show -- 3 members have been spotted in NYC over the last couple of days, and JC Chasez was pictured riding in a private jet.

A source connected to the group told us they'll be presenting only, and not singing one of their hits ... but it's gonna be an epic reunion nonetheless.

Speaking of performances, the ceiling will likely be blown off tonight with folks like Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj -- also the emcee for this year's event -- and Måneskin ... not to mention loads more musical acts as the night goes on.

There's also slated to be a big medley honoring 50 years of hip-hop -- similar to the huge performance at The Grammys -- featuring D.M.C., Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, LL Cool J, and more.

*NSYNC diehards are convinced a reunion is afoot after spotting a few members in the Big Apple -- and TMZ knows the band will be front and center during the show.

Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone and Lance Bass were all photographed in and around NYC over the past 48 hours -- JT hit up the US Open, Joey was spotted roaming the streets/posing with fans and Lance got snapped grabbing drinks in Manhattan.

In addition to these sightings ... JC Chasez was pictured riding in a private jet -- through a recent social media post from his manager -- although it's unclear where exactly he was flying to.

The one person who has yet to be shot in public is Chris Kirkpatrick ... but he did post a 9/11 tribute Monday, and threw up a NYFD firetruck. Unclear if he took it himself though.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the group will be presenting during the show Tuesday at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. We do not know if they will also perform.

Of course, another clue of a reunion ... a track that's been teased through Justin's latest 'Trolls' movie -- which has the first letter of their band name and a catchy whistling tune ... although the full song has yet to be released/named.

The guys haven't performed together since the 2013 VMAs -- so a reunion now would be timely ... a 10-year anniversary. They haven't released new music since the early 2000s.

Lord knows their day-ones have been craving a reunion for a long, long time now.

The big award show is only hours away, so we'll see if the iconic boy band is ready to join forces. A lot has changed since they last rocked a major stage -- here's hoping they still got the juice!

7:39 AM PT -- Una fuente conectada con el grupo nos dice que no habrá una actuación, los chicos sólo estarán presentando.

Los incondicionales de *NSYNC están convencidos de que hay una reunión en marcha después de ver a algunos miembros en la Gran Manzana y TMZ sabe que la banda estará al frente y al centro durante el show.

Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone y Lance Bass fueron fotografiados en los alrededores de Nueva York durante las últimas 48 horas. JT fue al US Open, Joey fue visto vagando por las calles posando con los fans y Lance fue fotografiado tomando unas copas en Manhattan.

Además de estos avistamientos, JC Chasez fue fotografiado montando un jet privado y pudimos ver las fotos a través de un reciente post en las redes sociales de su manager, aunque no está claro dónde exactamente estaba volando.

El único integrante que aún no ha sido fotografiado en público es Chris Kirkpatrick, pero publicó un homenaje 9/11 lunes y gestionó un camión de bomberos NYFD. Aunque no está claro si él mismo iba abordo.

Fuentes directas le informan a TMZ que el grupo se presentará durante el show del martes en el Prudential Center de Nueva Jersey. No sabemos si también actuarán.

Por supuesto, otra pista de una reunión ... una pista que se ha burlado a través de la última película de Justin 'Trolls' - que tiene la primera letra de su nombre de la banda y una melodía pegadiza silbido ... aunque la canción completa aún no ha sido puesto en libertad / nombre

Los chicos no han actuado juntos desde los VMA 2013, por lo que una reunión sería oportuna para celebrar un aniversario de 10 años. No han lanzado nueva música desde principios de la década de 2000.

Todo el mundo sabe que sus compañeros han estado anhelando una reunión durante mucho, mucho tiempo.

Sólo faltan unas horas para la gran entrega de premios así que veremos si la icónica boy band está lista para unir fuerzas. Las cosas han cambiado mucho desde la última vez que actuaron en un gran escenario ¡esperemos que aún les quede cuerda para rato!

Erica Mena says she's sorry for calling her reality show costar a monkey -- but she insists there was no racism behind the insult.

The ex-'Love & Hip Hop' star -- who was booted from the show for hurling the word -- tells TMZ ... "I deeply regret my insensitive comment and want to humbly apologize to anybody I hurt or offended by my thoughtlessness. My choice of words was wrong, and I take full responsibility for what I said."

She adds, "I am committed to listening to the voices of those affected and will work toward making amends. As a woman of color and the mother of two black children, I want to make it clear that my use of that word was not in any way racially driven."

Erica ends with this ... "That said, I do understand the gravity of what I said and want to use my platform to promote inclusivity and equality."

Worth noting, Erica identifies as an Afro-Latina -- with Dominican and Puerto Rican roots.

You'll recall ... Erica was cut loose from 'L&HH: Atlanta' after MTV aired the controversial episode in question -- in which EM and Spice got into a heated argument, which erupted into a fight ... and where Erica invoked the term "monkey" while she was lashing out.

That ugly moment came on the heels of yet another ... an Atlanta-area arrest that saw Erica get booked on a number of charges, including allegedly attacking a police officer.

Now that Erica's apologized, do you think she should be allowed back on 'L&HH'? Sound off by answering the question in our game below.

Barbara Evans is concerned for the well-being of her grandson -- who she had custody of for more than a decade -- and believes Jenelle Evans' decision to take him off ADHD meds might have led to his runaway incident.

Barbara tells TMZ 14-year-old Jace was put on the medication 7 years ago, and was regularly seeing a behavior specialist ... which had seemingly been working well for the teen.

However, Barbara says when Jenelle regained custody of Jace, back in March, Jenelle not only took him off the medication, but also ended his sessions with the behaviorist.

Jenelle denies part of Barbara's claim though, telling us, "Barbara has not been in contact with Jace since Monday. I have cut off contact with her as of 3 weeks ago. Barbara doesn't have any idea what is going on inside my home. Jace had a therapist appointment today on zoom at 10:30am … she hasn't even attempted to speak to Jace directly."

It's not clear if Jenelle booked the therapist appointment as a result of Jace's runaway, or if it was already planned.

TMZ broke the story, cops in North Carolina put out a runaway bulletin Tuesday for Jace after he took off from school. Luckily, he was found safe hours later, but the situation was scary for all involved.

Jenelle told us, "Jace, got in trouble at school, we decided to take his phone away and that's when he decided to run off, Jace is a good kid and we're not dealing with anything that most families don't deal with while raising children."

Barbara says Jenelle's not talking to her, so she doesn't have any more info about why her grandson ran off -- but she squarely blames his issues at school on the lack of medication and therapy.

Sammi Sweetheart may have hung up her "Gym, Tan, and Laundry" bag for over a decade, but she's making her big return to the "Jersey Shore," and it now lies on you to step under the lights and find the discreet switch-ups in the two images!

Looking extra sweet in her strappy sandals, the reality star recently accompanied Snooki, Jwoww -- and the rest of the fist-pumpin' squad in New York City to promote the new season of "Jersey Shore." Have you come ready to find the minor changes?

“I'm the sweetest bitch you'll ever meet!"