The VMAs ceremony, set to air live from New Jersey's Prudential Center on September 12 at 8 p.m. EST, marks Combs' return to the VMAs stage after a 16-year absence, with his last appearance dating back to 2005.
In addition to the Global Icon Award, Combs is nominated in four other categories at this year's VMAs. Notably, he's recognized in the Best Collaboration category for his contributions to tracks like "Creepin' (Remix)" and "Gotta Move On," featuring Bryson Tiller, Ashanti, and Yung Miami. He's also nominated in the Best Rap and Best R&B categories.
The Global Icon Award has previously been presented to renowned artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers. However, Combs holds a unique distinction as the first Black artist and solo performer to receive this honor.
As part of the celebration, Sean Combs will perform live for the first time in 16 years. His last appearance was in 2005 when he hosted the show in Miami, delivering a memorable medley of songs by The Notorious B.I.G. alongside Snoop Dogg.
Additionally, Combs is set to release "The Love Album: Off The Grid" on September 15 via Love Records. This 23-song album will feature collaborations with notable artists such as Babyface, The Weeknd, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Herb Alpert, Jazmine Sullivan, The-Dream, K-Ci Hailey and H.E.R.
Combs also has been generating excitement on social media with his collaboration with Mary J. Blige, titled "I Like," believed to sample Blige's 1994 track, "Don't Go."
Me and @MaryJBlige’s legacy is deeper than music. We truly are brother and sister from another mother. Mary was one of the only people to stand by me the first time the world canceled me. She believed in me enough to make the “My Life” album and has always been by my side. I… pic.twitter.com/b3w7zAVkDJ
— LOVE (@Diddy) September 5, 2023
"The Love Album: Off The Grid" follows Diddy's 2006 release, "Press Play," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. This upcoming project marks his return as a lead artist under the name Diddy, following previous releases under different aliases, including Puff Daddy & The Family and Diddy – Dirty Money.
The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards feature a lineup of leading artists, with Taylor Swift, Doja Cat, and SZA leading the nominations. The VMAs will also include performances by Måneskin, Demi Lovato, Karol G and Stray Kids.