After a brief schedule shift to accommodate Tuesday’s presidential debate, the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) returned to the spotlight, live from UBS Arena in New York. This marked the first time the VMAs were held at this venue, following two years at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. The event celebrated MTV’s 40-year history of shaping and influencing pop culture, and the night was packed with performances, tributes, and appearances from some of music’s biggest names.
A Star-Studded Celebration of MTV’s Legacy
Hosted by rap sensation Megan Thee Stallion, the VMAs brought together a mix of veteran performers and rising stars, offering fans a blend of nostalgia and fresh energy. The night opened with a performance by Eminem, who returned to the VMAs stage, evoking memories of his legendary early 2000s appearances. His performance, featuring hits like “Houdini” and “Somebody Save Me” with Jelly Roll, set the tone for the night. However, some critics felt the performance lacked the fire of his previous VMA moments.
One of the night’s most anticipated moments came when Katy Perry accepted the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Perry, a major player in both the pop world and MTV history, took the stage for a medley of her biggest hits, including “E.T.,” “Firework,” and her newest single “I’m His, He’s Mine.” Although her performance lacked the over-the-top production values that defined her earlier work, Perry still delivered a powerhouse vocal performance that reminded fans why she’s been at the top of the charts for over a decade.
Adding to the event’s nostalgic vibes, Carson Daly, the former host of Total Request Live, made an appearance as a presenter, as did Cyndi Lauper, the winner of the very first Best Female Video award back in 1984. The night continued to honor its rich history with a performance by Lenny Kravitz, marking his return to the VMAs stage after 25 years. Kravitz, who turned 60 this year, electrified the crowd with renditions of his classics like “Are You Gonna Go My Way” and a reworked version of his 1998 hit “Fly Away.”
Rising Stars Take Center Stage
While the night celebrated its legacy, it was also a launchpad for new talent. The VMAs welcomed a fresh crop of artists, many of whom made their debuts on the show’s legendary stage. Best New Artist nominees Chappell Roan and Benson Boone each delivered captivating performances. Roan’s set, which included her hit “Good Luck, Babe!” featured a Medieval theme complete with knights in armor, while Boone embraced a ’70s glam rock aesthetic, evoking comparisons to Freddie Mercury with his flamboyant stage presence.
Also making waves was BLACKPINK’s LISA, who, performing solo for the first time at the VMAs, showcased her star power with a high-energy set that captivated K-pop fans worldwide. Sabrina Carpenter, another first-time performer, wowed the audience with a futuristic, space-themed medley of her hits, paying homage to the show’s iconic Moon Person trophy.
Taylor Swift Dominates Once Again
Taylor Swift was the undisputed queen of the night, arriving with 10 nominations and leaving with six wins, including Video of the Year for “Fortnight,” her collaboration with Post Malone. Swift, already a two-time winner of the coveted award for her previous hits “Anti-Hero” and “All Too Well: The Short Film,” made history by becoming the most-awarded artist in VMAs history, surpassing Beyoncé. Swift also took home trophies for Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Pop, Best Direction, and Best Editing.
In her acceptance speech for Video of the Year, Swift thanked her collaborators, including director Rodrigo Prieto, and took a moment to give a heartfelt shout-out to her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, whom she credited for bringing “happiness, fun, and magic” into her life. Swift also used her time on stage to remind viewers, especially those over 18, to register to vote, marking her second voter registration plea in 24 hours.
Performances that Defined the Night
The night was packed with performances that ranged from high-energy pop spectacles to emotional, heartfelt moments. Karol G returned to the VMAs stage a year after her debut to perform her new single “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.” Her performance was one of the most interactive of the night, as she danced through the audience and even shared a playful moment with Taylor Swift and Post Malone.
Shawn Mendes aimed to channel his inner rock star with a smoke-filled, guitar-heavy performance of his new song “Isn’t That Enough,” from his upcoming album Shawn. While Mendes’ vocal ability was on display, some felt that the performance was overproduced, with the smoke and theatrics overshadowing the music.
Halsey delivered a standout set, embracing a full-on Avril Lavigne-inspired vibe with her new song “Ego.” Surrounded by a suburban garage-themed stage, complete with a live band and electric guitar, Halsey reminded the audience of her punk roots while celebrating her resilience after battling health issues related to lupus.
Tributes to Pop Legends
Throughout the night, tributes to iconic MTV moments and pop legends were woven into both performances and fashion. Several artists paid homage to Britney Spears, who, though absent from the event, was honored by numerous performers. Host Megan Thee Stallion, Tate McRae, and Addison Rae all referenced Spears’ iconic VMAs looks, while Sabrina Carpenter included nods to the pop star in her own performance.
LL Cool J, a two-time VMA winner, also brought the crowd to its feet with a performance celebrating Def Jam Records’ 40th anniversary. Sharing the stage with Public Enemy, LL Cool J ran through a medley of his hits, including “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “Doin’ It,” the latter of which he last performed at the VMAs in 1996.
Calls for Diversity and Representation
Beyond the glitz and glamour, some artists took the opportunity to address important social issues. Tyla, the South African singer who won the Best Afrobeats award for her hit “Water,” used her acceptance speech to advocate for a broader understanding of African music. Tyla emphasized that while Afrobeats has opened doors for African artists, the continent’s musical landscape is far more diverse. She highlighted the importance of not pigeonholing African artists into one genre, calling attention to the contributions of fellow artists like Tems, Ayra Starr, and Burna Boy.
Closing Out a Historic Night
The night came to a close with a full-circle moment, as Taylor Swift and Post Malone accepted the final award for Video of the Year. Swift, ever the show’s star, gave a gracious speech and one final reminder for everyone to register to vote.
The 2024 MTV VMAs were a mix of past and present, honoring the show’s legacy while spotlighting the new generation of artists ready to take the reins. With its blend of nostalgia, dynamic performances, and record-breaking moments, the VMAs once again proved why it remains one of the most iconic nights in music.
