iHeartRadio MMVAs to feature big performances, new categories

David Friend, The Canadian Press</span>
Published Sunday, August 26, 2018 7:42AM EDT

TORONTO -- Male heartthrobs will be in heavy supply at the iHeartRadio MMVAs tonight.

Shawn Mendes, Australian pop group 5 Seconds of Summer, and 1990s boy band 98 Degrees are among the acts performing at the outdoor awards show in Toronto.

Organizers say Mendes will play at both the open and close of the broadcast. The Pickering, Ont.-raised singer also leads with eight MMVAs nominations, including for video of the year.

Toronto rapper Drake trails close behind with seven nominations, though he's not expected to attend the festivities.

The MMVAs will be hosted by "Crazy Rich Asians" actress Awkwafina, who rose to fame through cheeky YouTube rap videos before starring in Hollywood movies.

Other performers include Alessia Cara, Halsey, Meghan Trainor and Chinese singer Kris Wu.

Among the presenters are "This is Us" actress Chrissy Metz, Tyra Banks, and Michael Jackson's son Prince.

This year's show is undergoing a number of changes, aside from officially abbreviating its former name -- the Much Music Video Awards.

The party was shifted from its usual mid-June date to late August to help capitalize on back-to-school season.

It also gave the show an opportunity to introduce a number of new categories, including one that crowns the song of the summer.

The MMVAs air on Much, CTV and stream online.

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