The Best, Worst, and Most Surprising Moments of the 2024 MTV VMAs

As a lifelong cinephile who has witnessed the evolution of MTV from its humble beginnings to the pop culture titan it is today, I must say that the 2024 VMAs were a rollercoaster ride of nostalgia and innovation. The stage was set at UBS Arena in New York, a departure from the familiar Prudential Center in New Jersey, yet it still managed to echo with the same vibrant energy that has defined this awards show for four decades.

Tonight, I found myself at the UBS Arena in New York City, gracing the occasion of the MTV Video Music Awards, a shift from its previous home at the Prudential Center in New Jersey over the past two years. This was the first time the event graced this specific venue, offering a fresh and exciting atmosphere for the awards ceremony.

Under the guidance of Megan Thee Stallion, the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) marked its impressive 40th year with a star-studded event featuring performances and appearances by numerous celebrities. Many of these stars have strong ties to MTV’s pop culture legacy, such as Eminem who opened the show, Katy Perry who received the Video Vanguard award, Carson Daly who was once a Total Request Live VJ, and Cyndi Lauper, the first-ever Moonman winner for best female video in 1984. Lenny Kravitz also made his return to the VMAs stage after a 25-year absence.

At the VMAs, they gave a warm welcome to fresh faces like the newcomer nominees for Best New Artist and debut performers, Chappell Roan, Benson Boone, Sabrina Carpenter (who is also making her first performance), and the soloist from BLACKPINK of K-pop fame, LISA.

During the event, Taylor Swift, a VMAs icon, took the lead with ten nominations, including a nod for “Video of the Year” alongside Post Malone for “Fortnight”. Known for breaking VMAs records, Swift has previously won “Video of the Year” in 2022 and 2023 for “Anti-Hero” and “All Too Well: The Short Film”, respectively.

Here are the best, worst, and most dramatic moments from the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.

Most Underwhelming Entrance: Eminem

Eminem plays a significant role in MTV’s past, that much is clear. However, his opening performances of “Houdini” and “Somebody Save Me” featuring JellyRoll, with its repetition of stage-rushing fake Shadys recalling his 2000 performance, and interspersed home movies of his children, were quite sappy and dull. It was a soppy, sleep-inducing performance.

Most Adorably Speechless: Post Malone

🎉| At the 2024 VMAs, Taylor Swift and Post Malone shared the stage to receive the award for “Best Collaboration” for their song “Fortnight”!
— The Eras Tour (@tswifterastour) September 12, 2024

At the start of the evening, Taylor Swift and Post Malone, both veterans of the VMAs, were awarded Best Collaboration for “Fortnight”. Taylor Swift paid tribute to the 9/11 victims before jokingly mentioning that Post Malone kept referring to her as “ma’am” during their collaboration. She then handed the microphone to Post Malone, who was momentarily speechless due to his awe of working with Swift. This impromptu and sincere exchange added a touch of sweetness to the event, providing an authentic moment that is becoming rare at the VMAs these days.

Most Effortlessly Fun: Karol G

One year after making her VMAs debut, Karol G returned to showcase why she’s a remarkable performer. She sang her new merengue single “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” turning her performance into an engaging experience. The Colombian pop star even danced throughout the venue, sharing moves with Taylor Swift, Post Malone, and Camilla Cabello.

Most Smoke Inhalation: Shawn Mendes

Showing off his ambition to be a rockstar as well, Shawn Mendes set up a stage with rugs, an acoustic guitar, and energetic backup musicians for the live debut of “Isn’t That Enough” (from his upcoming album named Shawn). With smoke clouds trailing behind him, Mendes aimed to emulate the soulful, seductive singers like Prince. However, he struggled to hit the high notes convincingly.

Most Missed No-Show: Britney Spears

Despite all the hardships Britney Spears has faced, it was doubtful she’d appear at the VMAs, not even for its 40th anniversary. However, several artists honored her iconic VMA outfits and performances from the Y2K era. Addison Rae, Tate McRae, and host Megan Thee Stallion sported snake attire to pay tribute, while Sabrina Carpenter incorporated numerous references to Spears in her VMA performance. Halsey also acknowledged Spears on the red carpet. Though it seems unlikely she’ll attend another award show (given her decision to prioritize her mental health), Spears’ performances of “I’m A Slave 4 U” and “Oops!…I Did It Again” remain memorable.

Most Out Of This World: Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter makes out with alien at the #VMAs.
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 12, 2024

Who needs Left Shark when we’ve got Left Alien now? Sabrina Carpenter stole the show at the VMAs with an unforgettable medley of her hits “Please Please Please,” “Taste,” and “Espresso.” In a clever nod to the award itself, she seemed to be referencing the Moon Man trophy (renamed Moon Person in 2017). Carpenter descended into a crowd of astronaut-dressed dancers and even paid homage to her “Taste” video by sharing a smooch with one very fortunate blue extraterrestrial.

2024-09-12 05:06