Updated on: October 10, 2024 5:50 pm GMT

The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards: A Night of Empowerment, Emotion, and Epic Performances

The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, held on September 11 at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, promised an evening of stellar performances, dramatic fashion choices, and big surprises. Hosted by rising star Megan Thee Stallion, the show underscored the ever-evolving music landscape and provided a platform for both established and new artists to showcase their talents. With standout performances from stars like Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz, and Sabrina Carpenter, the night encapsulated the spirit of celebration, rivalry, and reflection that defines this iconic annual event.

As fans eagerly gathered to witness the glam and grit of the MTV VMAs, one of the major highlights came from ex-couple Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello. Deeply reflective, Cabello described her aesthetic for the event on the red carpet in somewhat morbid terms, likening it to a “funeral.” Wearing a stunning black Tony Ward gown adorned with crosses and a black veil, she expressed a desire to bury all the negativity from her past relationships. “I’m in my ‘Godspeed’ era,” she said, grounding her sentiments in the theme of her song “Godspeed,” which she also performed that night. Cabello’s expressive outfit and words resonated with many fans, capturing the nuances of moving on from painful experiences.

Meanwhile, Mendes seemingly mirrored Cabello’s sentiments through his own Instagram post prior to the awards. Captioning photos of his outfit with “Pulling up to my own funeral,” it didn’t take long for fans to speculate that the trio of Mendes, Cabello, and Carpenter had become entangled in a recent love triangle. This speculation was further fueled by Carpenter’s new song, “Taste,” which hints at past relationships and romantic history shared among the three.

As the night unfolded, the emotional undertones were balanced with electric performances. Carpenter captivated the audience with a medley of her hits, including the award-winning “Espresso,” while Cabello’s performance featured her heartfelt rendition of “Godspeed,” showcasing her vocal growth and artistry.

The winners also reflected the diversity and dynamism of the present-day music industry. Taylor Swift emerged as the biggest winner of the night, taking home the coveted Video of the Year award for her collaboration “Fortnight” with Post Malone, as well as multiple other categories, tying her with Beyoncé for the most VMAs in history with 30 Moon Persons. In a powerful tribute, Swift emphasized the importance of creativity and staying true to oneself in the music industry.

For emerging talent, Chappell Roan took home the first major award of her career—Best New Artist—celebrating her rise as a unique voice in pop music. Roan, who recently garnered attention for her drag-influenced performances, dedicated her win to drag artists and the LGBTQ+ community that continues to inspire her.

In an entertaining twist, host Megan Thee Stallion delivered her own performance, channeling the unexpected with a live snake reminiscent of Britney Spears’ iconic 2001 performance. This flair for nostalgia was a recurring theme throughout the night, with nods to memorable performances from VMAs history.

As the award show concluded, it became clear that the 2024 MTV VMAs not only highlighted remarkable artistic achievements but also underscored the ongoing evolution in music culture. The emotional depth behind Cabello and Mendes’ expressions on the red carpet, along with Swift’s triumphant moments, painted a comprehensive picture of what it means to navigate a landscape filled with change, nostalgia, and empowerment.

The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards were not just about celebrating great music; they also reminded us how important relationships are in the entertainment world. Artists often use their experiences with love, fame, and heartbreak to inspire their work. Their songs and performances tell their stories, which connect with fans and leave a lasting impact on our culture. From Cabello’s thoughtful “funeral party” to Swift’s amazing achievements, the event showcased many interesting stories in today’s music.