What happened at 2024 MTV VMAs (Video Music Awards)
At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), Taylor Swift further cemented her place in pop culture history by taking home seven awards, including the coveted Video of the Year award. Her wins bring her total to 30 VMAs, tying her with Beyoncé as the most-awarded artist in the event’s history. Eminem, with 14 VMAs, holds the record for the most awards by a male artist.
Swift, ever the eloquent speaker, delivered heartfelt acceptance speeches, one of which highlighted her relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce. The audience erupted in cheers when she mentioned her “boyfriend, Travis,” thanking him for being on the set of her “Fortnight” music video and cheering her on during its production. Swift described Kelce as a source of happiness and fun, saying, “Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic.”
Table of Contents
One of the night’s most emotional moments came when Swift paid tribute to the victims and families affected by the 9/11 attacks. “I’ve just been thinking about what happened 23 years ago, everyone who lost a loved one and everyone that we lost and that is the most important thing about today,” she said, somberly acknowledging the anniversary.
Also Read : Emily Armstrong Reunites with Linkin Park after 7 years
Swift wasn’t the only star to shine that evening. Post Malone, who collaborated with Swift on “Fortnight,” joined her on stage to accept the award for Best Collaboration. Known for his relaxed demeanor, Malone received praise from Swift, who humorously shared that she finally got him to stop addressing her as “ma’am.”
A Night for Female Artists
Female artists dominated the 2024 VMAs, with emerging talents and established names alike receiving major recognition. Chappell Roan, an up-and-coming pop sensation, won Best New Artist, dedicating her award to drag artists and the queer and trans communities. Roan’s performance was one of the evening’s most visually striking, featuring a medieval set complete with knights, armor, and burning castle gates. Her breakout hit, “Good Luck, Babe,” captivated the audience as her dancers engaged in choreographed battles, blending medieval imagery with modern queer pop.
Also Read : Dave Grohl Reveals He Fathered a Child Outside His Marriage
Roan’s set was introduced by drag queen Sasha Colby, who described her as “your favorite drag queen’s favorite artist,” a nod to Roan’s growing influence in the LGBTQ+ community and her celebrated Coachella performance, inspired by Colby herself.
Sabrina Carpenter also had a standout night, winning Song of the Year for her catchy pop anthem “Espresso.” In her acceptance speech, Carpenter humorously credited her fans and her favorite coffee, saying, “Thank you to that me-espresso.”
Katy Perry’s Career Celebration
Katy Perry was honored with the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, recognizing her contributions to the music industry over the past two decades. Perry, known for her colorful and dynamic performances, delivered a show-stopping eight-song medley of her greatest hits, including “Roar,” “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream,” and “Firework.” As always, Perry brought her signature blend of humor and charm, quipping, “I did that all on the first day of my period, can you believe it?” after receiving her award from her partner, Orlando Bloom.
Perry also took the opportunity to tease a new single titled “I’m His, He’s Mine,” a collaboration with rapper Doechii that samples the Crystal Waters classic “Gypsy Woman (La Da Dee La Da Da).” Fans eagerly await the new release, which promises to blend Perry’s pop sensibilities with Doechii’s rap prowess.
Eminem’s Return and Other Standout Performances
The night’s performances spanned multiple genres, with hip-hop legend Eminem kicking off the show with a medley of hits, including “Houdini” and “Somebody Save Me.” The latter featured a broadcast feed of Jelly Roll, who recently made waves with his country hit “Save Me.” Eminem’s energetic performance was enhanced by an army of Slim Shady look-alikes, paying homage to his iconic alter ego.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(505x191:507x193)/eminem-performance-vma-2024-091124-3-02a5cdd4387b49439c1eac41dba3960e.jpg "2024 MTV VMAs : Taylor Swift’s Dominate with 7 Awards, and More")
Other notable performances included Megan Thee Stallion, who hosted the awards for the first time and joked that the VMAs now stood for “voluptuous Megan awards.” Karol G brought the fire with a performance of her hit “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” while Rauw Alejandro showcased Puerto Rican pride with a medley of songs, including “Touching the Sky” and “Déjame Entrar.” Tyla won the Best Afrobeats Award, further solidifying the genre’s global influence.
Blackpink’s Lisa, winner of the Best K-pop award, took the stage as a solo artist for the first time at the VMAs, performing two new singles, “New Woman” and “Rockstar.” Her powerful performance reaffirmed her status as a global sensation.
Honoring Def Jam and Rock Music
LL COOL J took a moment to honor Def Jam Records’ 40th anniversary, joining forces with Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav and Chuck D. The celebration of the iconic record label, which has shaped hip-hop for four decades, was a reminder of its lasting influence on the music industry.
Also Read : Malaika Arora’s Father Anil Arora Dies by Suicide; Arbaaz Khan Visits Family
Rock music also had its moment at the VMAs, with performances by Lenny Kravitz and Shawn Mendes. Kravitz, a rock legend in his own right, performed hits like “Are You Gonna Go My Way” and “Fly,” while Mendes delivered a more intimate acoustic set with his new song “Nobody Knows,” evoking comparisons to John Mayer.
Conclusion
The 2024 MTV VMAs were a celebration of music’s diversity and influence, with female artists taking center stage and performers from across genres delivering memorable moments. Taylor Swift’s dominance, Katy Perry’s career-spanning performance, and the rise of new stars like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter made it a night to remember. With heartfelt speeches, political calls to action, and tributes to significant moments in history, this year’s VMAs showcased the power of music to unite, inspire, and entertain.
