Jennifer Lopez is to be honoured with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2018 MTV VMAs.

The announcement was made via Facebook Live in the States with JLo joining Sway Calloway for an emotional interview in which the superstar was brought to tears seeing the same fans in the studio as she's had with her from the beginning. She also chatted all things VMAs, answered questions from her fans and threw her support behind Missy Elliott or Lady Gaga to win the 2019 Vanguard Award.

Lopez is also set to perform live at this year’s show for the first time since 2001 and is nominated for two VMAsfor her most recent single, 'Dinero' Ft. DJ Khaled and Cardi B.

The Video Vanguard award is the VMAs highest honour which last year was presented to P!nk who gave us a raucous greatest hits medley and the most touching acceptance speech ever.

Other former Video Vanguard winners include Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake and more.

Since her first album, 'On The 6',debuted in 1999, Lopez has transformed the global music scene, including selling over 80 million records worldwide, 40 million albums, 16 Top 10 hit songs, and three No.1 albums. In addition to her music, Lopez has made her mark in film and television. Her films have grossed over $2.9 billion worldwide, five of which opened at No.1. Her portrayal of the Latin music sensation 'Selena 'earned her widespread acclaim. Lopez’ simultaneous release of her second studio album 'J.Lo'and her romantic comedy 'The Wedding Planner' paved the way for her to become the first woman to have a number one album and film in the same week.

This year’s show will be filmed in JLo's hometown, New York City, atRadio City Music Hallon Monday 20th August, back where it all started at the first ever VMAs in 1984.

Cardi B leads this year’s nominations being recognised in 10 categories, while The Carters – aka Beyoncé and JAY-Z – follow with eight. See the full 2018 MTV VMAs nominees here.

There’s less than three weeks until show day and we bet you’re dying to know who else isperforming…welllllll, we’re not telling you yet. You’ll just have to follow @VMAs on Twitter and Instagram to be the first to find out.

'Watch the 2018 MTV VMAs Tuesday 21st August at 8pm on MTV UK.'

Past VMA Video Vanguard Recipients:

2017: P!nk
2016: Rihanna
2015: Kanye West
2014: Beyoncé
2013: Justin Timberlake
2011: Britney Spears
2006: Hype Williams
2003: Duran Duran
2001: U2
2000: Red Hot Chili Peppers
1998: Beastie Boys
1997: LL Cool J and Mark Romance
1995: R.E.M.
1994: The Rolling Stones and Tom Petty
1992: Guns N’ Roses
1991: Bon Jovi and Wayne Isham
1990: Janet Jackson
1989: George Michael
1988: Michael Jackson
1987: Peter Gabriel and Julien Temple
1986: Madonna and Zbigniew Rybczyński
1985: David Byrne, Russell Mulcahy and Kevin Godley & Lol Creme
1984: David Bowie, The Beatles and Richard Lester