The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, held at the UBS Arena in Long Island, NY, brought together some of the biggest names in music for an unforgettable night on Wednesday. Hosted by the electrifying Megan Thee Stallion, the star-studded event featured performances from top artists like Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Glorilla, Karol G, and a special return to the VMAs stage by LL Cool J, marking his first performance at the awards in over 25 years.
Taylor Swift emerged as the biggest winner of the night, leading the pack with five awards, including the coveted Artist of the Year title. Swift’s hit duet with Post Malone, “Fortnight,” also earned her the Best Collaboration and Song of Summer awards. Her incredible year continued as she took home wins for Best Direction and Best Editing, showcasing her multifaceted talent not only as a performer but also as a creative force behind the camera.
Other notable winners of the night included Sabrina Carpenter, who scored Song of the Year for her hit “Espresso,” while Chappell Roan was named Best New Artist, a highly anticipated win for the breakout star. Megan Thee Stallion also snagged a win for Best Art Direction for her music video “BOA,” further solidifying her influence in both music and visual storytelling.
The night was not only a celebration of music but also of first-time nominees who made their mark on the industry. Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan were among a diverse lineup of fresh talent, which included artists like Teddy Swims, Benson Boone, Tyla, and Jelly Roll. This year’s nominee pool was filled with breakout stars from various genres, including rising Afrobeats sensation Tyla, Latin artist Myke Towers, and the ever-popular K-pop group LE SSERAFIM.
In a heartfelt moment, Katy Perry was honored with the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award for her contributions to the music industry. Perry also took home the award for Most Iconic Performance for her unforgettable 2013 live rendition of “Roar” at Empire-Fulton Ferry Park, a performance that has since become a defining moment of her career.
Another highlight of the evening was Lenny Kravitz’s win in the Best Rock category for his hit “Human,” reminding fans of his enduring legacy in the rock genre. Eminem also had a standout night, taking home both Best Visual Effects and Best Hip-Hop for his track “Houdini,” showcasing his ability to remain relevant in the ever-evolving music landscape.
The night was not without its adjustments, however. Originally scheduled for Tuesday, the event was postponed by one day to avoid conflicting with the U.S. presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Additionally, with the awards taking place on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, MTV paid tribute to the victims by honoring two nonprofit organizations, 9/11 Day and Tuesday’s Children, highlighting their ongoing work in supporting families affected by the tragedy.
As the night came to a close, it was clear that the 2024 MTV VMAs had once again provided a platform for both established and rising stars to shine. From Taylor Swift’s reign to the breakthrough performances of newcomers, the evening celebrated the diverse talents that continue to shape the global music industry.
Winners List:
- Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award: Katy Perry
- Best Alternative: Benson Boone – ‘Beautiful Things’
- VMAs Most Iconic Performance: Katy Perry – ‘Roar’ (2013)
- Best Trending Video: Megan Thee Stallion ft. Yuki Chiba – ‘Mamushi’
- Song of Summer: Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – ‘Fortnight’
- Best Rock: Lenny Kravitz – ‘Human’
- Best Collaboration: Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – ‘Fortnight’
- Best Afrobeats: Tyla – ‘Water’
- Song of the Year: Sabrina Carpenter – ‘Espresso’
- Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
- Best R&B: SZA – ‘Snooze’
- Video for Good: Billie Eilish – ‘What Was I Made For’
- Best Cinematography: Ariana Grande – ‘we can’t be friends’
- Best Art Direction: Megan Thee Stallion – ‘BOA’
- Best Direction: Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – ‘Fortnight’
- Best Editing: Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – ‘Fortnight’
- Best Choreography: Dua Lipa – ‘Houdini’
- Best Visual Effects: Eminem – ‘Houdini’
- Best Hip-Hop: Eminem – ‘Houdini’
- Best New Artist: Chappell Roan
- Best Latin: Anitta – ‘Mil Veces’
- MTV Push Performance of the Year: LE SSERAFIM – ‘EASY’ (June 2024)
The 2024 MTV VMAs have once again set the bar for recognizing both iconic moments and groundbreaking newcomers in the music industry.