The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) took place on a star-studded Wednesday night at the UBS Arena in Long Island, NY. Hosted by the charismatic Megan Thee Stallion, the event attracted the biggest names in the music industry, along with emerging talent, all vying for the coveted “Moon Person” award. It was a night filled with dazzling performances, emotional wins, and an overwhelming celebration of music videos and artistry, paying tribute to the artists and their creative contributions throughout the year.
Taylor Swift Dominates with Five Wins
It was a huge night for Taylor Swift, who entered the VMAs with 10 nominations, the highest of any artist this year. She lived up to the hype, winning five awards, including the coveted Artist of the Year. Swift, who has become a dominant force in the music industry over the past decade, also clinched multiple awards for her collaboration with Post Malone on their hit song “Fortnight,” which was a fan favorite. “Fortnight” earned them awards for Best Collaboration, Song of Summer, and Best Editing, cementing Swift’s continued reign over the pop music landscape.
Not only did Swift’s collaboration with Post Malone receive widespread acclaim, but her own solo work continued to shine, solidifying her as an artist who can successfully navigate various genres. As the Artist of the Year, Swift continues to captivate audiences worldwide, further cementing her legacy with every release.
First-Time Nominees Shine Bright
The 2024 VMAs also proved to be a breakout moment for first-time nominees who made a lasting impression. Sabrina Carpenter, one of the year’s brightest emerging stars, won Song of the Year with her catchy track “Espresso.” Carpenter, whose career has blossomed over the past few years, was visibly emotional as she accepted her first-ever VMA. Her success highlights the new generation of pop artists who are shaping the future of music.
Another major moment came when Chappell Roan was awarded Best New Artist, a category that has long been a springboard for artists poised for long-term success. Roan’s unique style and powerful vocals have won her a dedicated following, and this award further validates her growing impact on the industry. Other standout first-time nominees included Tyla, who won Best Afrobeats for her viral hit “Water,” and Benson Boone, who took home the award for Best Alternative with his song “Beautiful Things.” This year’s VMAs have undeniably introduced a wave of new talent to mainstream audiences.
Katy Perry Honored with Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award
A true highlight of the evening was Katy Perry receiving the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, a distinction given to artists who have made an outstanding impact on music videos and pop culture. Perry, known for her vibrant and imaginative music videos, delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech, thanking her fans and creative team for their support over the years. Her visually stunning videos, from “California Gurls” to “Dark Horse,” have left a lasting imprint on the industry.
Adding to her triumph, Perry also won Most Iconic Performance for her unforgettable 2013 VMAs performance of “Roar,” live from Empire-Fulton Ferry Park. This performance remains one of the most iconic moments in VMA history, showcasing Perry’s showmanship and ability to captivate an audience with her powerful vocals and stage presence.
Megan Thee Stallion Shines as Host and Winner
Megan Thee Stallion didn’t just host the show with her energetic and fun personality, she was also a major winner. She snagged the Best Trending Video award for her song “Mamushi,” a fiery collaboration with Japanese rapper Yuki Chiba. The video, known for its bold visuals and dynamic choreography, took the internet by storm and became a viral sensation. Megan was also honored with the Best Art Direction award for her video “BOA,” where Brittany Porter’s work was recognized for its creative and cutting-edge designs. These wins, coupled with her hosting duties, ensured Megan was one of the night’s central figures.
A Night of Memorable Wins Across Genres
The 2024 VMAs featured a diverse array of winners, with artists from multiple genres taking home awards. Lenny Kravitz, the iconic rocker, won Best Rock for his hit “Human,” reminding everyone why he remains a legend in the music world. Kravitz’s win was a testament to his ability to evolve while maintaining his signature sound.
The Best Hip-Hop category was dominated by none other than Eminem, whose track “Houdini” won over fans and critics alike. Eminem’s Visual Effects-heavy video also took home the award for Best Visual Effects, showcasing his innovative use of technology in music videos.
On the R&B side, SZA won Best R&B for her soulful track “Snooze,” continuing her streak of successes in the genre. Her emotive voice and introspective lyrics have made her one of the most respected artists in contemporary R&B.
New Artists and Genres Gaining Momentum
It wasn’t just established names who had their moment. LE SSERAFIM, a rising K-pop group, won the MTV Push Performance of the Year for their song “EASY,” a powerful performance that earned them widespread attention. The K-pop genre was further represented by LISA, who won Best K-pop for her song “Rockstar.” As K-pop continues to grow in global influence, the VMAs provided a platform to showcase the genre’s immense popularity.
Afrobeats also took center stage, with Tyla winning Best Afrobeats for her song “Water.” This genre, characterized by its rhythmic beats and vibrant energy, has gained significant global traction, and Tyla’s win is a reflection of Afrobeats’ increasing presence in the international music scene.
Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, and Dua Lipa Among Notable Winners
The VMAs also celebrated the artistry of female powerhouses such as Ariana Grande, who won Best Cinematography for her music video “we can’t be friends (wait for your love),” filmed with stunning visuals by Anatol Trofimov. Grande’s attention to detail and creative vision continue to make her music videos standout pieces of art.
Billie Eilish took home the Video for Good award for her deeply emotional song “What Was I Made For” from the “Barbie” soundtrack, which resonated with listeners for its vulnerability and introspection. The video’s impact on social media, particularly on TikTok, helped it gain millions of views and widespread acclaim.
Dua Lipa, who has become a fashion and pop music icon in recent years, won Best Choreography for her hit “Houdini.” The choreography, handled by Charm La’Donna, showcased Lipa’s sleek and synchronized dance moves, further cementing her place as one of the top performers in pop music today.
Postponed for the Presidential Debate
Interestingly, the 2024 VMAs were originally scheduled for Tuesday, but MTV decided to postpone the event to avoid clashing with the much-anticipated presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, which was broadcast on ABC. The decision allowed both events to receive the full attention they deserved without splitting the viewership.
Falling on September 11th, the rescheduled VMAs also took a moment to pay tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks. MTV honored two prominent nonprofit organizations, 9/11 Day and Tuesday’s Children, for their ongoing work in supporting survivors and families affected by the tragic events.
Full List of Winners at the 2024 MTV VMAs
Here is a complete list of winners from this year’s event:
Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award
Katy Perry
Best Alternative
Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things” – Night Street Records, Inc. / Warner Records
VMAs Most Iconic Performance
Katy Perry – “Roar” (2013, live from Empire-Fulton Ferry Park)
Best Trending Video
Megan Thee Stallion ft. Yuki Chiba – “Mamushi” – Hot Girl Productions
Song of Summer
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records
Best Rock
Lenny Kravitz – “Human” – 2024 Roxie Records Inc.
Best Collaboration
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records
Best Afrobeats
Tyla – “Water” – FAX Records / Epic Records
Song of the Year
Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso” – Island
Artist of the Year
Taylor Swift – Republic Records
Best Pop
Taylor Swift – Republic Records
Best R&B
SZA – “Snooze” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records
Video for Good
Billie Eilish – “What Was I Made For” (From The Motion Picture Barbie) – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Best Cinematography
Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” – Republic Records – Cinematography by Anatol Trofimov
Best Art Direction
Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” – Hot Girl Productions – Art Direction by Brittany Porter
Best Direction
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records – Directed by Taylor Swift
Best Editing
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records – Editing by Chancler Haynes
Best Choreography
Dua Lipa – “Houdini” – Warner Records – Choreography by Charm La’Donna
Best Visual Effects
Eminem – “Houdini” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records
Best Hip-Hop
Eminem – “Houdini” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records
Best K-pop
LISA – “Rockstar” – Lloud Co. / RCA Records
Best New Artist
Chappell Roan
Best Latin
Anitta – “Mil Veces” – Floresta Records / Republic Records / Universal Music Latin Entertainment
MTV Push Performance of the Year
June 2024: LE SSERAFIM – “EASY” – SOURCE MUSIC / Geffen Records
Video of the Year
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records
The 2024 MTV VMAs proved once again to be a platform for celebrating the best in music, with established artists like Taylor Swift and Katy Perry sharing the spotlight with rising stars like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter. The show honored both the past and the future of music, ensuring the VMAs remain one of the most anticipated nights in entertainment.
