After waiting a day to make way for the Presidential debate, the MTV Music Awards hands out the annual Moon Person Awards for the winners of the fan voted awards and 40 years of the Music Video Awards.
After an opening performance from Eminem and Jelly Roll, host Megan Thee Stallion takes the stage in a red, white, and blue VMA body suit.
Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and Flavor Fave present the first award of the night; but first, Flavor Fave presents Jordan with a blinged out bronze medal. Fave is an official sponsor of the Team USA water polo team. The first award for Best Collaboration went to Taylor Swift and Post Malone for “Fortnight”. It’s September 11, and Swift spoke on waking up in New York on such a day. She calls Post Malone “so ridiculously talented”. Malone noted that Swift is one of the most talented people he knows.
Latin artist Karol G takes the stage for a performance. She is the first female Latin artist to have a Spanish only album go to number one.
The night of music also included flashbacks from MVA’s past including Britney Spears performance with a snake, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and many other performers.
Black Pink artist Lisa makes her debut VMA performance as a solo artist.
Canadian artist Sean Mendes performs his new single “Nobody Knows”.
Performing on the Doritors stage, Teddy Swims” performs “Lose Control”.
“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”, Cyndi Lauper introduces Sabrina Carpenter whose album went to the top of the charts last week. She takes the stage by coming down from the rafters on a swing.
Latin star Anitta takes the stage for a little “Paradise” with DJ Khalid and Fat Joe.
Teddy Swims returns with “The Door”.
The most coveted award at the VMA’s is the Video Vanguard Award and for the seventh year in a row, that award is going to a female performer. Partner Orlando Bloom pays tribute to Katy Perry (Katherine Hudson). She takes the stage for a medley of her hit songs that begins with her being suspended above the stage.
Chappell Roan takes the stage for a performance.
The award for Best Afrobeats goes to Tyla for “Water”.
On the Doritos stage Teddy Swims returns with a performance of the Rhianna song “Stay”.
Host Megan Thee Stallion takes the stage for a performance. Japanese artist Yuki joins Megan on stage.
Benson Boone takes the stage for a performance of “Beautiful Things” in his MTV debut.
Country star Miranda Lambert presents the award for Song of the Year to Sabrina Carpenter for “Expresso”.
Latin star Rauw Alejandra gives a performance.
Halsey takes the stage for a performance.
On the Extended Play stage sponsored by Doritos Jessie Murph performs.
Carson Daly paid tribute to the people and the event of September 11, 2001. He presents the award for Best K-Pop to Lisa for “Rockstar”
Lenny Kravitz takes the stage with Quavo for a medley of songs.
Camila Cabello gives a performance.
Jessie Murph returns for “I Hope You Hurt”.
Glorilla takes the stage for “Yeah Glo”.
The award for Best New Artist went to Chappell Roan.
Jessie Murph performs the Roberta Flack hit “Killing Me Softly with His Song”.
The award for Best Latin music went to Brazilian star Anitta for “Mil Veces”.
Busta Rhymes introduces the celebration of 40 years of Def Jame Records LL Cool J, Public Enemy, DJZ Trip give a performance.
The final award of the night is the biggest of the VMA’s with Video of the Year which went to Taylor Swift and Post Malone for “Fortnight”. In her speech she noted that there was always somebody in the studio cheering after every take…it was her boyfriend Travis.
This makes a total of seven awards for Swift at the 2024 VMA’s.
VMA Awards not presented during the live television broadcast:
Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
Song of the Summer: Taylor Swift and Post Malone for “Fortnight”
Best Trending Video: Megan Thee Stallion and Yuki Chba for “Mamushi”
Best Pop: Taylor Swift
Best Alternative: Benson Boone for “Beautiful Things”
Best Rock: Lenny Kravitz for “Human”
Best Hip-Hop: Eminem for “Houdini”
Best R&B: SZA for “Snooze”
Video for Good: Billie Eilish for “What Was I Made For” from the Motion Picture soundtrack for “Barbie”
Best Choreography: Dup Lipa for “Houdini”
Best Art Direction: Megan Thee Stallion for “BOA”
Best Cinematography: Ariana Grande for “we can’t be friends ( wait for your love)”
Best Direction: Taylor Swift and Post Malone for “Fortnight”
Best Editing: Taylor Swift and Post Malone for “Fortnight”
Best Visual Effect: Eminem for “Houdini”
VMA’s Most Iconic Performance: “Roar” by Katy Perry
Best Group: SEVENTEEN
Best Push Performance: Le Sserafim for “Easy”