Katy Perry made a triumphant return to the MTV Video Music Awards stage on Wednesday night to accept the prestigious 2024 Video Vanguard Award, awarded to her by her partner, Orlando Bloom. The award serves as a lifetime achievement recognition from MTV.
During the emotional moment, Bloom praised Perry, referring to her as Katy Hudson, her birth name, and expressed pride in her accomplishments. He shared a glimpse into their personal life, mentioning their three-year-old daughter, Daisy, and said, “You fell in love with her as Katy Perry. I fell in love with her as Katheryn Hudson.”
After his introduction, Perry entertained the audience with a medley of her greatest hits, including “Dark Horse,” “E.T.,” and “California Gurls.” Following lighthearted banter about their parenting, Perry took a moment to speak to the crowd. She encouraged everyone to prioritize authenticity and mental health, urging them to disconnect from social media and focus on their passions.
Perry also humorously referenced her relationship with Bloom, noting that she performs a particular favor in exchange for him doing the dishes.
In a remarkable career, Perry joins the ranks of iconic artists who have received the Video Vanguard Award, including Shakira, Beyoncé, and Madonna. This honor marks her return to the VMAs stage for the first time since 2017, when she hosted and performed during the ceremony.
Throughout her career, Perry has garnered multiple VMAs, including wins for Video of the Year and several other categories. She becomes the tenth artist to win both Video of the Year and the Vanguard Award, placing her in an elite group of music legends.
In addition to her latest award, Perry has enjoyed commercial success, with over 115 billion streams and numerous Diamond certifications for her singles and albums. Her Video Vanguard Award comes shortly after the release of her new single “Lifetimes,” with an album titled “143” set to launch on September 20.