BY: ISABELA RANGEL/STAFF WRITER
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Early September brought us MTV’s annual Video Music Awards, held this year at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. Since 1984, the VMAs have never failed to deliver a star-studded night of fashion, jaw-dropping performances, and surprise winnings that keep viewers on their toes. This highly renowned award show celebrated this year’s best in music and media, with some of the biggest names in pop culture walking away with top honors.
Opening the show was none other than hip-hop legend Eminem, who gave us a medley of his songs Houdini and Somebody Save Me. The rapper stormed the stage with backup dancers in platinum blonde wigs, paying homage to his ‘Slim Shady’ persona. Audiences were thrilled to see Eminem deliver such a refreshing performance to younger listeners, despite being in the industry for upwards of 20 years.
Following the opening act, host Megan Thee Stallion kept spirits high with her enthusiastic introductions and playful personality as she made her hosting debut. She took to the stage later that night with an elaborate mashup of B.A.S and Hiss, then brought out special guest Japanese rapper Yuki Chiba for their collaboration on Mamushi.
Following performances included Chappell Roan donning a medieval get-up for Good Luck, Babe! and Puerto Rican rapper Rauw Alejandro making his VMAs debut with Touching the Sky and Dejame Entrar.
An honorable mention performance included newcomer Benson Boone, whose piano rendition of his song Beautiful Things transitioned into a glittering performance, complete with front flips and impressive vocals that left the audience starstruck. The American singer-songwriter would go on to win Best Alternative for the same song later that night.
And of course, we can’t forget about pop culture’s newest love triangle, all present and petty for the big night. Camila Cabello used her performance as a not-so-subtle goodbye to her ex, performing June Gloom and Godspeed from her new album, C,XOXO.
The speculated ex in question, Shawn Mendes, had a performance slot of his own, showcasing his new song, Nobody Knows. Mendes’ moody ballad was quickly juxtaposed by the glamourous Sabrina Carpenter, who showed out with her songs of the summer Please Please Please, Taste, and Espresso.
As we recall, Espresso took the summer by storm as a commercial success, earning the pop singer her first no.1 single on the Billboards Global 200 and now, a VMAs award for Song of the Year.
The performances given at the VMAs were ones to be commemorated, delivering both unforgettable performances and giving viewers a sneak peek at some of the award winners of the night.
Leading in nominations was Taylor Swift and Post Malone with twelve and eleven nominations, followed by Ariana Grande with eight and Sabrina Carpenter with seven; but when it came to the awards, the VMAs welcomed both old and new artists to the stage.
Taylor Swift swept her respective categories, receiving seven awards, including Best Artist and Video of the Year with Post Malone. The pop sensation used her acceptance speech as a time to recognize the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. She then thanked her collaborator, Post Malone, for being “everyone in music’s favorite person.” The duo proceeded to win five more awards with their hit Fortnight, which took the no.1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
Chappell Roan took home the coveted Best New Artist award, which was well deserved through her breakthrough album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess, coupled with her visually stunning live performances.
VMAs host Meg the Stallion herself won Best Trending Video with her “Mamushi” collaboration with Yuki Chiba. SZA’s smooth vocals and raw lyrics won her Best R&B Video, and international sensation Lisa won Best K-Pop for her song “Rockstar.”
Other notable categories include Best Latin, which was awarded to Brazilian singer Anitta’s Mil Veces, which charted at no.22 on Brasil Hot 100.
The night also featured Katy Perry as the ceremony’s guest of honor and awarded her the Video Vanguard Award, the VMA’s equivalent of a lifetime achievement award. The pop princess of the 2010s took to the stage with a medley of her top hits mixed with her recent and less-talked-about singles from her new album 143.
Her dazzling visuals and acrobatic performance reminded audiences of what she once was and hopefully sparked some excitement for the new album, which frankly sounded hollow in comparison to hits such as Teenage Dream and E.T.
The 2024 VMAs showed once again why they are one of the most anticipated nights in the media. From dazzling showcases of talent to well-respected nominees and winners, it was a night to remember for both artists and audiences alike.
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