Giovana Gelhoren
Updated on: October 10, 2024 6:51 pm GMT
The 40th annual MTV Video Music Awards, held at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, showcased a remarkable night of performances, tributes, and awards that highlighted some of the most significant moments in music history. The event, broadcast live on Wednesday, featured appearances by numerous big-name artists and celebrated both contemporary and iconic musical achievements.
Star-Studded Performances and Tributes
A significant portion of the show included notable performances from a range of artists, ensuring that the evening was both entertaining and nostalgic. Among the highlights were performances by pop stars such as Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, along with rap legend LL Cool J. The event was hosted by Megan Thee Stallion, who made a memorable entrance adorned in an outfit inspired by Britney Spears’ legendary 2001 performance of “I’m a Slave 4 U,” complete with a live snake.
Eminem kicked off the night with a powerful medley of his hits, surrounded by a group of lookalikes, reminiscent of his iconic performances from earlier VMAs. This high-energy start set the tone for an evening filled with celebration and reflection on the history of the awards.
Taylor Swift Leads the Night with Record Wins
Undoubtedly, Taylor Swift was the standout star of the evening, taking home seven awards, making her the most awarded artist in VMA history with a total of 30. Swift claimed the evening’s most prestigious honor, Video of the Year, for her song “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone. This win marks her third consecutive victory in this category, having previously won for “Anti-Hero” in 2023 and “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)” in 2022.
Swift also won Artist of the Year for the second year running, becoming the first artist to achieve this feat. During her acceptance speeches, Swift addressed the audience with heartfelt messages. She began her first speech by honoring the victims of September 11, calling it “the most important thing about today.” Her final speech drew significant attention when she mentioned her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, thanking him for his support during her creative process.
Encouraging Civic Engagement
Moreover, Swift used her acceptance speeches to encourage civic engagement, particularly in relation to the upcoming presidential election. Following a recent Instagram endorsement of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, Swift urged her fans to register to vote, referencing the importance of participating in democracy. This call to action proved impactful, as reports indicate that her endorsement led to a surge in visitors to voter registration sites, with over 300,000 people accessing Vote.gov.
Chappell Roan: Best New Artist
In a night that celebrated established stars, newcomer Chappell Roan also made a significant impact. Roan, who won the award for Best New Artist during her VMAs debut, dedicated her award to the drag artists who have inspired her throughout her career. In her acceptance speech, delivered in a raw and personal manner, she expressed gratitude to her fans and resonated with queer youth, stating, “And for all the queer kids in the Midwest watching right now, I see you. I understand you, because I’m one of you.”
Roan’s performance was equally striking, featuring an elaborate set and a suit of armor, underscoring her artistic vision and creativity that have captured the attention of the music industry.
A Celebration of Iconic Moments
The telecast also included clips from the VMAs’ storied history. Flashbacks to legendary performances added layers of nostalgia to the night. Among the most memorable was Madonna’s groundbreaking performance of “Like a Virgin” in 1984, as well as memorable moments such as Michael Jackson’s iconic kiss with Lisa Marie Presley in 1994.
The event effectively blended historical significance with contemporary artistry, signifying the evolving landscape of the music industry. Megan Thee Stallion’s various outfit changes and her dynamic presence during the event further solidified her role as a modern icon, continuing the legacy of past artists who have graced the VMAs stage.
The Night’s Winners
As the night unfolded, the awards were presented in various categories, recognizing both established and emerging talents. Each winner reflected the diversity and vibrancy of the music culture. Key awards included:
- Video of the Year: Taylor Swift – “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone
- Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
- Best New Artist: Chappell Roan
- Best Collaboration: Post Malone and Taylor Swift
As the credits rolled, everyone felt excited about the future of music and appreciated its amazing history. The VMAs did a great job of letting artists show off their talents and giving fans a chance to celebrate the music that brings them together.
