MTV VMAs Most Memorable Moments: Taylor Swift’s Big Wins, Chappell Roan’s Performance and Medleys From Katy Perry and LL Cool J

As a longtime fan of Eminem and the music industry, I must say that his “Houdini” performance at the 2024 VMAs was nothing short of spectacular! Bringing back Slim Shady with a horde of doppelgängers was an incredible nod to his past, reminding us all why we fell in love with his music in the first place. The energy and enthusiasm he brought to the stage were truly infectious, and I found myself dancing along in my living room!

On Wednesday evening in New York, the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards were presented. Here’s a summary of the most memorable events as compiled by _The Hollywood Reporter_.

Taylor Swift Remembers 9/11 …

During her acceptance speech for the Best Collaboration Moon Person at the 2024 MTV VMAs, Taylor Swift paused to recall the somber occasion of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. As she stepped onto the stage with her collaborator Post Malone, she began by reflecting on the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attack on New York’s World Trade Center. “As I woke up in New York this morning on September 11,” Swift said, “I’ve been thinking about what transpired 23 years ago — those who lost loved ones and everyone we lost.” She emphasized that the importance of remembering those affected by the tragedy outweighed any other events or accomplishments that might occur during the awards ceremony.

… And Wins Big

Swift took home the most coveted award of the night at the MTV Video Music Awards, breaking several records with the win. The superstar won video of the year for her song “Fortnight,” featuring Post Malone. Swift won seven VMAs this year, bringing her all time total to 30, tying her with Beyoncé for most VMA wins of all time. After being presented the trophy by VMAs host Megan Thee Stallion, Swift took to the stage to share her appreciation for her fans and everyone who helped bring the music video to life. Read more. — Carly Thomas

Chappell Roan Calls Out Photographer on Red Carpet …

2024 MTV Video Music Awards saw Chappell Roan asserting herself following an impolite interaction. Roan, who graced the VMAs stage for the first time on Wednesday night, adorned a costume inspired by medieval times on the red carpet. In a video posted by Entertainment Tonight, it appeared a photographer instructed her to “Keep quiet,” after she turned away from the camera. Swiftly responding, Roan retorted, “You keep quiet!” She further added, “Don’t! Not me, lady!” The atmosphere seemed supportive as someone in the background could be heard encouraging her, saying, “Stand up for yourself, girl!” When approached by an Entertainment Tonight reporter regarding the incident, Roan expressed, “The red carpet can be quite intimidating and frightening. I believe for someone who experiences a lot of anxiety when people shout at you, the carpet is terrifying.” Read more. — Tatiana Tenreyro

… And Offers Fierce Performance of “Good Luck, Babe”

Roan made her appearance on stage to perform her popular tune “Good Luck, Babe.” Following an introduction by Sasha Colby as “the most beloved drag queen’s favorite artist,” the singer donned a costume inspired by medieval armor amidst a backdrop of a castle engulfed in flames. Throughout the intense performance, Roan showcased her powerful vocals, while dancers dressed fittingly for the era demonstrated their dance moves around her. Continue reading… — Carly Thomas

VMAs Host Megan Thee Stallion: “I Deserve a Gold Medal for Being a Bad B****”

Music artist Megan Thee Stallion charmed the crowd as an animated and captivating host at the VMAs. At 29 years old, she ignited the evening in a leotard with only one shoulder, similar to what an Olympic gymnast might wear. Megan playfully acknowledged fellow Houston resident and gold medalist Simone Biles, teasing that Biles had lent her the outfit and Megan made some adjustments. “I should get a gold medal for being such a boss,” Megan quipped humorously. Throughout the night, the VMAs honored 40 years of the ceremony by reflecting on significant past moments. Megan chose to honor the occasion herself, appearing with a real snake in tribute to Britney Spears’ legendary 2001 performance. She even donned Spears’ instantly recognizable costume. For further reading, see more… – Nicole Fell

Shawn Mendes Debuts New Single “Nobody Knows”

At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, Shawn Mendes unveiled his new single “Nobody Knows” from his self-titled album. This song seems to address his split with Camila Cabello, as he sings, “Even when we’re so in love and our souls touch, it’s still not enough. Nobody knows where it goes.” In stark contrast to the other performances of the night, Mendes’ performance was more minimalistic, featuring him strumming an acoustic guitar alongside drums and electric guitar. Continue reading for further details. — Tatiana Tenreyro

Sabrina Carpenter Gives Out of This World Performance

On Wednesday night at the MTV Video Music Awards, Sabrina Carpenter delivered an otherworldly performance that left everyone in awe. Introduced by music legend Cyndi Lauper, Carpenter showcased some of her summer’s biggest hits such as “Please Please Please,” “Taste,” and “Espresso.” Dressed in a shimmering silver ensemble, she started her act mid-air on a swing for “Taste.” Lowered to the stage, she was then accompanied by an alien and astronaut as they danced across a moon-like set in space. — Paraphrased by Alex Johnson

Blackpink’s Lisa Is a Red-Hot “Rockstar” in Fiery Solo VMA Debut

This year, Lisa from Blackpink can add a vibrant VMAs performance to her expanding collection of achievements. The 27-year-old Thai vocalist and rapper, known as Lalisa Manobal in real life, made her first solo appearance at MTV’s Video Music Awards early in the evening. Dressed in a complete red ensemble, the singer initiated a two-song medley with her latest single “New Woman.” During her rendition of “New Woman,” which typically includes Spanish artist Rosalía, Lisa demonstrated her vocal prowess and dance skills by dancing around matching red chairs. Swiftly moving into her popular summer hit “Rockstar,” the lively performance brought the stage to life — with the added visual effect of fire elements behind the stage. Continue reading — Nicole Fell

Halsey Rocks Out in a Garage for Performance of “Ego”

On Wednesday night, Halsey made a comeback to the MTV Video Music Awards stage, belting out her new track “Ego”. She arrived at the stage on a bicycle and opened a garage door to reveal her band ready inside. Seizing her guitar, she launched into an energetic performance of the song from her upcoming album, The Great Impersonator. This is Halsey’s reappearance on the VMA stage since her 2016 performance with The Chainsmokers for their hit “Closer”. Notably, the “Bad at Love” singer has been nominated for a total of seven VMAs in the past. Keep reading to find out more. – Carly Thomas

Eminem Calls Back to Platinum-Blond Slim Shady Era With “Houdini” Performance

In Eminem’s latest album, titled “The Death of Slim Shady“, one might expect a departure from his iconic alter ego. However, for his debut TV performance from the album at the 2024 VMAs, Eminem resurrected the platinum-haired version of Slim Shady, accompanied by numerous doppelgängers who sported similar hairdos. This spectacle mirrored his 2000 VMAs performance of “Real Slim Shady” and “The Way I Am,” where Eminem was joined by a hundred look-alikes. To set the stage for his “Houdini” performance at Long Island’s UBS Arena, an “E” Bat-Signal-like symbol was displayed in the sky before the event. As Eminem and his clones reached the stage, he navigated among them, continuing his performance. He later transitioned into “Somebody Save Me,” discarding the wig for a black hat, giving off a more contemporary vibe. — Hilary Lewis

Katy Perry Accepts Video Vanguard Honor

At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, Katy Perry was bestowed with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Her partner Orlando Bloom introduced her, and she performed a collection of her most popular songs prior to accepting the award. “Oh my God!,” Perry exclaimed. “I did that all on the first day of my period, if you can believe it!” She expressed gratitude to MTV for supporting her from the beginning and helping artists expand their creative realms. “There are so many factors that need to align for an artist to have a lengthy and successful career,” she stated. “There are no coincidences over a decade.” She thanked her team, who have been by her side for “more than 20 years,” as well as Capitol Records. “Believe me, it takes a community of strong individuals, plenty of constructive discussions, and numerous group chats” to achieve such success. — Tatiana Tenreyro

LL Cool J Brings Energy With Medley of His Classic Hits and New Songs

LL Cool J rocked the MTV VMAs stage with a mix of his timeless hits and fresh tracks to commemorate Def Jam Records’ 40th anniversary. The iconic rapper, who was joined onstage by original Def Jam labelmates Flavor Flav and Chuck D from Public Enemy during the three-hour event, brought the energy levels soaring with “Headsprung.” A sea of red Kangol hats filled the audience as they sang along, setting the stage for LL’s anthem, “The G.O.A.T.” The cameras panned to enthusiastic fans displaying goat signs in homage to his song. Later, Flavor Flav and Chuck D joined him onstage for a lively rendition of their classic hit, “Bring the Noise.” Keep reading for more details. — Kimberly Nordyke

Camila Cabello Gives Angsty “June Gloom” Performance

2024 saw Camila Cabello taking the stage at the MTV Video Music Awards, held live at UBS Arena on Long Island, where she performed “June Gloom” from her latest album, C,XOXO. The performance began with a video clip showcasing her blonde persona during this album cycle, played from a laptop. As the camera pulled back, it revealed a brunette Cabello singing inside a glass box, facing the camera and surrounded by masked dancers and pulsating lights. In an unexpected twist, she shattered the laptop and stepped out of the enclosure. Her dancers then removed their masks, forming a group around her before freezing in a final pose to conclude the performance. – Written by — Tatiana Tenreyro

2024-09-12 07:55