Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 10, 2024 9:42 pm GMT
The 40th MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) celebrated some of the biggest names in music on a star-studded night filled with memorable performances and emotional moments. The event, broadcast live from the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, attracted a host of celebrities and featured highlights that paid homage to the show’s rich history.
Major Wins for Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home seven awards, including the coveted Video of the Year for her hit “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone. This marks Swift’s third consecutive win in this category, following her triumphs with “Anti-Hero” in 2023 and “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)” in 2022. With these wins, her total VMA awards reached 30, tying her with Beyoncé for the most all-time accolades.
In addition to Video of the Year, Swift was awarded Artist of the Year, marking her second consecutive win in this category and making her the first artist ever to achieve this feat. Throughout the evening, she used her acceptance speeches to convey messages of importance, including a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks.
Swift’s Personal Touch
In her final speech of the night, Swift highlighted her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Her affectionate words about Kelce, who has been a source of public interest since they began dating, prompted enthusiastic applause from the audience. She described how his support during filming has brought her happiness: “Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic,” Swift said.
Furthermore, she emphasized civic engagement, urging attendees and fans to register to vote for the upcoming presidential election, a call that resonated well beyond the awards show. Swift’s recent endorsement of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris reportedly led to a surge of over 300,000 visitors to the voter registration site, Vote.gov.
Chappell Roan Makes a Splash
Another notable winner of the night was Chappell Roan, who took home the Best New Artist award in her VMA debut. The 26-year-old pop star dedicated her award to the drag artists who have inspired her, candidly expressing her gratitude in an acceptance speech that resonated deeply with the audience. “For all the queer kids in the Midwest watching right now, I see you. I understand you, because I’m one of you,” she said. Roan delivered a powerful performance clad in a suit of armor and wielding a lit crossbow, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
Eminem’s Historic Night
Opening the show with a medley of his greatest hits, rap legend Eminem set the tone for the evening. Surrounded by Slim Shady lookalikes, the performance harkened back to his iconic 2000 appearance. Eminem added two more trophies to his collection, bringing his total to an impressive 15 VMAs, making him the male artist with the most awards in the show’s history.
A Night of Nostalgia and Tribute
The VMAs also took time to reflect on its own legacy, showcasing flashbacks of some of the most memorable moments in award show history. Notable segments included Madonna’s groundbreaking “Like a Virgin” performance from 1984, the unexpected kiss between Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley in 1994, and Miley Cyrus’s provocative dance with Robin Thicke in 2013. Megan Thee Stallion, the evening’s host, incorporated her own nods to this history, including a striking outfit change involving a live snake, reminiscent of Britney Spears’ iconic 2001 performance.
Additional Highlights and Performances
The night featured diverse performances, including sets from artist Sabrina Carpenter and Grammy-winning rapper LL Cool J. Each artist contributed to the vibrant atmosphere, showcasing their talents and honoring the spirit of the VMAs.
Notable Award Winners
- Video of the Year: Taylor Swift – “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone
- Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
- Best New Artist: Chappell Roan
- Most VMAs by a Male Artist: Eminem – 15 awards
The event not only highlighted current artists but also celebrated the cultural impact the VMAs have had over the decades. As music continues to evolve, the VMAs remain a pivotal moment in recognizing the talents that shape the industry.
The 2024 VMAs reminded us of the music industry’s history and its bright future. The show is a great place for artists to show off their talents and connect with their fans.
