The MTV Video Music Awards marked their 40th anniversary with a nod to the show’s storied legacy. This year’s event was filled with iconic clips from past VMAs, including memorable moments like Madonna and Britney Spears’ kiss in 2003, Beyoncé revealing her pregnancy in 2011, and Michael Jackson’s appearance with Lisa Marie Presley in 1994 humorously claiming their marriage’s longevity. Madonna’s 1985 “Like a Virgin” performance and Taylor Swift’s subway concert in 2009 were also highlights of the nostalgic reels.
MTV, true to its name, offered a music-filled experience with vibrant performances from stars like Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Karol G, and host Megan Thee Stallion, who humorously declared, “Tonight, VMAs stands for Voluptuous Megan Awards.”
Taylor Swift emerged as the night’s most celebrated artist, claiming the first and last awards, both for her collaboration “Fortnite” with Post Malone. However, she surprised fans by not announcing new projects and instead urged the audience to vote—a strategic move following her endorsement of Kamala Harris.
Chappell Roan made a striking entrance with a medieval princess theme and delivered an emotional acceptance speech after winning Best New Artist, thanking her fans and affirming their identities. Sabrina Carpenter performed a quirky routine but missed out on showcasing one of her summer hits. She won Song of the Year for “Espresso,” introduced by Cyndi Lauper, highlighting a generational connection.
Tinashe captured attention with her glamorous presentation for Best New Artist, showcasing her confident walk. The category received a heartfelt aim at diversity and representation. Meanwhile, Karol G dazzled the audience with her performance, Halsey rocked the stage with a gritty tune, and Lenny Kravitz emerged as a surprise favorite, bringing energy to the evening.
Eminem opened the show with a nostalgic nod to his past performances, while Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello delivered captivating sets. Megan Thee Stallion kept the audience engaged, incorporating humor and special guests into her performance to ensure the energy remained high.
Katy Perry received the Video Vanguard award, introduced by her fiancé Orlando Bloom. Her speech sparked nostalgia and addressed industry challenges, making a strong statement about misogyny and ageism in music.
MTV also acknowledged minor category winners in a humorous segment and debuted a peculiar ad featuring a modern take on the classic 2004 Pepsi commercial, further celebrating the night’s spirit.
The appearance of Carson Daly, the iconic host of TRL, added a sentimental touch as he reminisced about his time on the show, reminding viewers of the ongoing cultural discussions sparked by pop music. Despite the passage of time, the essence of the VMAs remained intact, emphasizing the constant evolution of music and its impact on culture.