Katy Perry took the stage at the 2024 VMAs on Wednesday night to accept the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, where she shared a heartfelt kiss with her partner, Orlando Bloom, who presented her with the honor.
At 39 years old, the “Rise” singer received MTV’s top accolade, a recognition akin to a lifetime achievement award. Bloom, who is the father of their 3-year-old daughter Daisy, expressed his pride in Perry, referring to her by her birth name, Katy Hudson, and said, “Baby, so proud of you.”
Following his introduction, Perry performed a medley of her beloved hits, including “Dark Horse,” “E.T.,” and “California Gurls.”
Perry’s win places her among a distinguished group of artists who have previously received this award, such as Shakira, Beyoncé, and Madonna. The couple is known for their public displays of affection, with Perry having stirred up the media recently with a playful comment about an X-rated exchange regarding chores.
This marked Perry’s return to the VMAs stage for the first time since 2017, when she both hosted and performed at the event. Throughout her career, she has previously won five VMAs, including three in 2011 for “Firework” and “E.T.”
With this latest honor, she joins a select group of just ten artists to have received both the Video of the Year and Vanguard Award, including legends like Madonna and Justin Timberlake. Notably, Perry became the first individual to host the show and win both of its top awards.
Over the years, Perry has created memorable moments at the VMAs, such as her debut in 2009 performing alongside Joe Perry of Aerosmith and her powerful performance of “Roar” in 2013.
Perry continues to achieve remarkable success, with a total of 115 billion streams and over 70 million adjusted album sales worldwide. She is one of only five artists in history to enter the Recording Industry Association of America’s 100 Million Certified Songs club, holding numerous Diamond-certified singles and albums.
Her Video Vanguard win comes on the heels of her new single, “Lifetimes,” and in anticipation of her upcoming album, “143,” scheduled for release on September 20.