The VMAs, which is the MTV Video Music Awards, brought the biggest stars in music together once again, showcasing memorable performances and celebrating this year’s most influential artists. The music industry icons gathered at the event highlighting the major wins in their career in New York City on September 11 to celebrate the annual representation of music videos, performances, and pop culture.
“I love watching the VMA’s because I love seeing everyone who shows up and I also like to see the outfits that people show up in” said Tatum Gramata (’26).
Taylor Swift was a major winner at the VMAs, taking home seven awards. Her collaboration with Post Malone on “Fortnight” earned accolades such as Song of the Summer, and Best Pop Video, and she finished the night off winning Artist of the Year. Swift’s ability to continuously reinvent herself represented throughout her music has kept her at the top of the industry, solidifying her status globally.
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“This is unbelievable. I just wanna say that the fact that this is a fan-voted award means so much to me based on the memories that we’ve made recently. I’ve just been on a tour that is the most joyful and exhilarating experience, and we’re not even halfway done with it. It’s really felt like the adventure of a lifetime this past year. I cannot believe that it was a year ago at the VMAs that I announced the Midnights album, and all I have to say tonight is thank you. I’m blown away. Thank you so much to the fans. I love you so much,” said Taylor Swift.
Sabrina Carpenter, had a memorable night at the VMAs delivering a captivating performance singing “Please Please Please”, and “Espresso” and winning Song of the Year. Her unique style in music has gained attention in this past year, and her performance at the VMAs marked a significant milestone in her career.
“I’ve literally never won one of these. This is really special. The first people I want to thank are the fans…. And I just feel so grateful to have the best, truly, the best fans in the world. I know it sounds cheesy, but I love you,” said Sabrina Carpenter.
Megan Thee Stallion hosted the VMAs, showcasing her style through many outfit changes and also in her performance. She paid tribute to Brittney Spears’ iconic outfit from the 2001 VMAs performance of “I’m a Slave 4 U”, including a Burmese Python.
“I don’t know this snake. This snake don’t know me,” Megan said, yelping as handlers took the animal off her shoulders. “I tried to hold it down for Britney,” said Megan thee Stallion.
The up-and-coming artist Chappell Roan made her VMA debut performing, “Good luck, Babe” and taking home the Best New Artist award. This achievement not only marks a pivotal point in Roan’s career but also highlights the VMAs’ role in discovering and promoting emerging artists. Roan’s win reflects her growing influence in the music industry and sets the stage for her future success.
“Thank you to the people who are fans, who listen to me, who hear me when I share my joy and my tears,” said Chappell Roan.
As the 2024 VMAs drew to a close, the night’s celebrations underscored the dynamic and ever-evolving life of the music industry. The event not only honored established icons like Taylor Swift but also shined a spotlight on emerging talents such as Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter, marking a memorable evening for music fans around the world.
