The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards were nothing short of spectacular, captivating audiences with memorable performances and unforgettable moments, all taking place at the UBS Arena in New York. The night was not only about sparkling statues and glittering outfits but also celebrated diversity and the artistic prowess of both established icons and rising stars.
Leading the charge was the evening’s shining star, Taylor Swift, who claimed the award for Video of the Year for her collaboration with Post Malone on “Fortnight.” This moment marked her third consecutive year winning the top honor, adding to her impressive tally of 30 total VMAs, making her the most-awarded solo artist of all time. Swift's heartfelt acceptance speech began with her honoring the victims of 9/11, emphasizing the day’s significance beyond the glitzy awards.
Swift didn’t stop at just honoring the past; she also urged fans to participate actively by registering to vote, highlighting the importance of civic engagement during this election season. The day prior to the VMAS, her endorsement of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris reportedly redirected over 300,000 visitors to the voter registration site, Vote.gov, creating quite the buzz.
Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan also left their mark during this star-studded evening. Carpenter, who performed her hits “Taste” and “Espresso,” redefined the boundaries of playful performances. During her routine, she boldly kissed an alien, serving as both entertainment and celebration of eccentricity. Her efforts paid off when “Espresso” later earned her the award for Song of the Year.
Chappell Roan made headlines with what can only be described as a medieval extravaganza, performing “Good Luck, Babe!” dressed as Joan of Arc and delivering a spectacular show complete with knights battling onstage. Roan’s fiery performance ended with her being awarded Best New Artist, dedicatively thanking the drag artists and queer community for their unwavering support, saying, “I see you, I understand you because I’m one of you.”
The night also featured Katy Perry, who was presented the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Her acceptance was marked by her characteristic humor and camp as she performed some of her greatest hits, including “Teenage Dream,” before premiering her new song “I'm His, He’s Mine,” with rapper Doechii. Their sultry choreography drew mixed reactions but certainly kept the audience enthralled, showcasing the intersection of pop culture and bold performances. Perry's acceptance speech acknowledged the foundation her queer fans have provided throughout her career.
The return of Eminem to the stage was one of the evening’s key highlights as he opened the event with new music. Wrapped up with nostalgia, he recalled the past with iconic visuals and performances throughout the night, such as reenacting his legendary “The Real Slim Shady” vibe with look-alike performers. Eminem’s opening number set the tone for the celebration of music’s storied history, celebrating 40 years of the VMAS.
Host Megan Thee Stallion rocked the stage with several outfit changes, including one reminiscent of Britney Spears' iconic snake dance performance. She lightened the evening with her trademark charm and energy, blending nostalgia with the present-day flair of the awards.
The LGBTQ+ representation was emphatically evident throughout the night. Numerous queer artists complemented the mainstream stars, including how Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter utilized their performances to embrace and uplift LGBTQ narratives. The presence of beloved figures, such as Sasha Colby from "RuPaul’s Drag Race", highlighted the community's continuing impact and celebration within the music industry.
The awards ceremony saw its fair share of memorable moments such as the celebration of the now-iconic backdrop of the MTV brand, highlighted by flashbacks to classic performances of the past, engaging viewers with nostalgia as they recognized the evolution of music and performance art over the decades.
Tyla, the South African singer whose worldwide hit “Water” topped charts, brought light to the diversity of African music during her acceptance of the Best Afrobeats award. Tyla's remarks pointed out the importance of recognizing the richness and variety within African music genres. She celebrated her heritage, proudly declaring, “African music is so diverse. It’s more than just Afrobeats.”
The VMAS proved once again to be the stage for artists to push boundaries. This year’s show followed suit as many moments from the show demonstrated exactly why the VMAS is seen as the most daring event every year, often skirting the lines of acceptability and social issues.
The performers’ engaging spectacle kept fans and attendees entertained and on their toes, from Katy Perry’s racy choreography with Doechii to Sabrina Carpenter kissing extraterrestrial beings on stage. Each act seemed to strive for the next outrageous performance, creating iconic moments for fans to dissect and recall long after the event concluded.
The night wound down with many high emotions, performances igniting powerful messages and personal stories of diverse artists. Fans across social media buzzed with excitement, sharing their favorite moments, from Chappell Roan’s ardent performance to Taylor Swift’s poignant reminders of resilience and engagement with the broader community. The 2024 MTV VMAS encapsulated everything fans love about the show: its boldness, its celebrations, and its capacity for surprise, all wrapped together with the raw energy of the music world at its finest.
With such monumental acts on stage, from hip-hop legends like LL Cool J to the exhilarating presence of Megan Thee Stallion, the VMAS provided not just awards but celebrating the interconnectedness of fans and artists alike. It was another chapter written for the history books of iconic performances and moments, leaving many eager for what’s next.
