The MTV Video Music Awards have become known for their illogical and unpredictable nature, remaining seemingly indestructible over the years. Despite MTV shifting away from music videos, the annual music award ceremony continues to be a flagship event for the network. While it may be considered less prestigious than the Grammys, it manages to make a greater impact, with memorable moments such as Madonna kissing Britney Spears at the 2003 VMAs and Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift’s speech in 2009 etched in people’s memories. It’s almost as if the VMAs follow the old “tree-falling-in-a-forest” paradox – if the VMAs aren’t causing controversy, do they even exist?
The 2024 ceremony, which took place at New York’s UBS Arena over three hours, was hosted by rapper Meghan Thee Stallion, who made a bold statement in an MTV-branded swimsuit. While the event lacked the usual dramatic controversies, it served as a triumph for Taylor Swift, who secured seven wins, making her the most decorated performer in VMA history, surpassing even Beyoncé.
Swift utilized the platform to honor those who lost their lives on September 11, a date chosen for the VMAs to avoid clashing with the Trump v Harris Presidential debate the night before. The evening kicked off with Eminem performing his latest single “Houdini” alongside a group of lookalikes, set against the backdrop of MTV’s iconic “MoonPerson” (renamed to be gender-neutral in 2017). The event came to a close with LL Cool J delivering a medley in tribute to the 40th anniversary of Def Jam Records.
The 40th edition of the VMAs in 2024 didn’t quite live up to the anticipation as efforts to make it a landmark event felt somewhat forced. However, Meghan Thee Stallion’s hosting was well-received, and she managed to uphold her dignity throughout the evening. Unlike James Corden’s lengthy and somewhat smug tenure at the Brit Awards, Meghan Thee Stallion successfully kept the energy high without overshadowing the event.
The most highly anticipated aspect of the VMAs was undeniably the performances. The standout artists were those who delivered what the audience craved – their biggest hits without burdening the show with tedious new songs. Lenny Kravitz epitomized this approach as he made a bold entrance in furs and tights, captivating the audience with his rendition of “Are You Gonna Go My Way.” K-pop star Lisa, a member of Blackpink, also left a lasting impression with her powerful performance. Sabrina Carpenter wowed the crowd with her irresistibly catchy summer anthem “Espresso,” and also made headlines by kissing an alien during her set.
Chappell Roan’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. Despite canceling several European tour dates, she managed to captivate the audience with an epic Game of Thrones-inspired rendition of her song “Good Luck, Babe!” Her dedication and dramatic stage presence truly made her performance one of the evening’s highlights.
During the recent awards ceremony, Katy Perry stood out as a highlight despite facing backlash in the previous months. She delivered an impressive aerial performance, showcasing her talent by singing “I Kissed A Girl” while suspended in the air and incorporating elements from the Elden Ring video game into her outfit.
The awards themselves were not without controversy. Taylor Swift’s gothic ballad “Fortnight” won the Song of the Summer award, overshadowing the widely popular “Espresso,” which received the Song of the Year award. In addition, Swift scooped up the Video of the Year award for “Fortnight,” while there were separate categories for Best Trending Video and Video For Good, with the latter recognizing videos carrying a social message.
The VMAs featured a “Best Alternative Category”, but the award went to Benson Boone, signed to Warner Records, instead of fan favorites Sleaford Mods or Bob Vylan. The VMAs are often compared to the Golden Globes, as both ceremonies hold cultural significance despite the perceived lack of public interest in the winners. The 2024 VMAs was a glittery and extravagant affair, with Taylor Swift taking home multiple awards. Despite the lack of suspense, the show was exhilarating, providing a unique entertainment experience.
