The 2024 MTV VMAs took place on Sept. 11 in New York. It was a three-hour broadcast event with performances from various artists, most notably Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Katy Perry and Camila Cabello. The audience was just as star-studded, with Selena Gomez, Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift in attendance. Let’s break down the top five moments from this year’s VMAs.
1. Taylor Swift breaks records… again
After the success Taylor Swift has had, it’s no surprise that she would be the biggest winner at the VMAs. She took home seven of her 12 nominations, including awards for Artist of the Year and Video of the Year for “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone. She now holds the title as the most awarded artist at the VMAs of all time with 23 wins to her name.
2. Roan of Arc makes her debut
Chappell Roan has had quite the chaotic year, and her performance matched that. With fiery arrows, swords and a burning castle, she sang her hit single “Good Luck, Babe!” in full body armor. This was a memorable VMA debut that showcased her vocal abilities and proved to viewers why she’s the biggest up and coming artist right now.
3. Sabrina Carpenter kisses an alien
Following the success of her recent album Short n’ Sweet combined with rumors of a love triangle with Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, Sabrina Carpenter took the stage and gave viewers something else to talk about. While performing a medley of her three hits “Please Please Please,” “Taste” and “Espresso,” Sabrina pauses to kiss a blue alien before shoving them off the stage. This is in reference to her music video for her single “Taste,” where she kisses Jenna Ortega, and it definitely got people talking — even Britney Spears posted a video to her Instagram about it.
4. Katy Perry performs amid controversy
After collaborating with producer Dr. Luke on her new single “WOMAN’S WORLD,” Katy has received some criticism. While her song has a message of uplifting and empowering other women, she is working closely with Dr. Luke, who has been accused of drugging and sexually assaulting Kesha.
He has denied these allegations, but many viewers are perceiving Katy’s new feminist approach as “performative” since she’s working so closely with an alleged abuser. She went on to perform a medley of “WOMAN’S WORLD,” “Dark Horse” and “California Gurls” before accepting the Video Vanguard award.
5. Megan Thee Stallion hosts and performs
In addition to keeping the crowd entertained, Megan Thee Stallion performed a medley of her biggest hits — “Boa,” “Hiss” and “Mamushi,” to name a few. A highlight of the night was when Megan recreated Britney Spears’s iconic 2001 VMA’s “I’m a Slave 4 U” outfit, including the snake! The award show was full of subtle hints towards Britney’s iconic VMAs history, but this one takes the cake.
What moments stood out to you this year? I really enjoyed the visuals during Sabrina Carpenter’s performance. Personally, I would’ve loved to hear more Charli XCX recognition. It was a Brat summer, after all — but there’s always next year!
