MTV’s Video Music Awards have been a staple in pop culture ever since 1984. From Taylor Swift to Eminem, many artists have graced the VMA stage with show-stopping performances and have been awarded countless prestigious awards. On September 11th, the 40th annual VMAs took place in the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. Hosted by Megan The Stallion (Megan Javon), and it was a night to remember.
The VMAs have iconically been home to some noteworthy fashion moments, and this year was no exception. Chappell Roan debuted the red carpet with a renaissance-inspired outfit by Y/Project, Sabrina Carpenter sported a pearly white vintage Bob Mackie gown, and Taylor Swift channeled her inner rock star with an edgy, yellow plaid outfit by Christian Dior. Not only did the red carpet host some amazing fashion looks, but it also featured some drama. While adjusting her Y/Project gown, Chappell Roan heard a photographer in the crowd shouting very angrily at her and her assistant. Roan immediately retaliated with a fair bit of profanity and caused a fair bit of controversy online for herself. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight later in the evening, Roan commented on the situation by declaring “…the carpet is horrifying and I yelled back. You don’t get to yell at me like that!” This instance just goes to show how stressful and overwhelming the red carpet can be for celebrities, and also the nature of some paparazzi.
Starting the show’s performances was Eminem (Marshall Bruce Mathers), performing his recent single, “Houdini,” which won the Best Hip-Hop Award later in the evening, along with Best Visual Effects for its music video. Following Eminem’s performance was Benson Boone making his VMA debut. Performing his hit single, “Beautiful Things,” which he won the Best Alternative Award for. He was also nominated for Song of the Year and Song of the Summer. While accepting the award he said, “This has been the craziest year of my life so far. I am truly honored to be in this crowd of people…I’m very grateful to the fans that have led me to this!”
Chappell Roan also made her VMA debut with a pyrotechnic-filled performance of her hit single “Good Luck, Babe!” Dressed in a Joan Of Arc-inspired outfit, she started her performance by shooting a flaming arrow into her castle set, setting the whole thing ablaze. Later in the night, Roan won the Best New Artist award, and in her acceptance speech she dedicated her win to “queer and trans people who fuel pop all around.” She continued, “And thank you to the people who are fans, who listen to me, who hear me when I share my joy and my fears. Thank you for listening. And for all the queer kids in the Midwest watching right now, I see you, I understand you, because I’m one of you, and don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t be exactly who you want to be!” Another artist who stole the show this year was Sabrina Carpenter, who leaned heavily into the cosmic theme of the VMAs. Starting her performance of “Please, Please, Please” sitting on a floating diamond, she was quickly lowered down to the main stage to perform “Taste,” accompanied by backup dancers dressed up as an alien and astronaut. She then transitioned into “Espresso,” bringing on many more space-bound backup dancers. Carpenter was nominated for Song of the Year with Espresso and won, saying in her acceptance speech; “This is really special to me, the first people I want to thank are the fans. You guys are the reason I get to do what I love but also the reason we get to share music with each other and I just feel so grateful to have truly the best fans in the world.” Many more artists performed aside from Carpenter, Roan, and Boone. Every one of them delivered outstanding performances, and you can see the full list of performers and their sets on the VMA’s website.
The VMAs has been a host to many show-stopping performances, and this year there is a brand-new award being given out to honor those iconic shows from VMAs past. This year The Most Iconic Performance Award was introduced. The nominees were filled with some of the biggest names in music, like Madonna, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Taylor Swift, and the winner, Katy Perry for her 2013 performance of “Roar.” There has been much controversy over Katy Perry’s win, as many fans feel as though Lady Gaga should have won for ‘Paparazzi,’ which in a lot of people’s opinion was far more memorable. During said performance, Gaga delivered incredibly impressive vocals and used fake blood to “bleed out” on stage. Her set was a commentary on the music industry and how toxic it can be for artists. This has led many fans to believe that the VMAs may be somewhat rigged, as they are supposed to be decided by popular vote.
The VMA’s most prestigious award is the Video Vanguard Award, the only award not decided by the fans. This award has been given out at every Video Music Award since 1984, and previous winners include The Beatles, David Bowie, Micheal Jackson, Madonna, U2, Britney Spears, and many more. This year, the award was handed out to Katy Perry. In a special honoree performance, she sang some of her biggest hits of all time, including some off her new album, “143.” Her set started with “Dark Horse” and “ET” and had Perry floating from wires surrounded by a giant circle of lights. She brought Doechii on stage to sing “I’m His, He’s Mine” and dawned silver butterfly wings to sing “I Kissed A Girl.” Her entire performance was 10 minutes long, taking the audience on a journey through her entire music career. Directly afterwards, she accepted her golden trophy, which was presented by her fiance, Orlando Bloom. She shared some words of wisdom for other artists in her acceptance speech, “One of the biggest reasons that I’m standing here right now is I learned how to block out all the noise that every single artist in this industry has to constantly fight against, especially women. I just want to say with my heart, do whatever it takes to stay true to yourself and true to your art.” She ended her speech by thanking Bloom and her daughter, Daisy, “the only flower I’ll ever need.”
Aside from all the show stopping performances, prestigious awards and its infamous red-carpet, the VMAs bring people together from all countries. They give new artists the chance to shine and gain traction, and honor those who have been around for years. They have been host to some of the most iconic pop culture moments this century, and will continue to heavily influence the music industry for years to come.
