What You Missed at The VMAs

by Sadie O’Rourke

For nearly forty years, millions of Americans have flocked to their tv screens to watch the American Music Award’s VMAS. This year was like no other. Around 3.9 million (the highest rating for the VMAs since 2019) people tuned in, anxiously awaiting their favorite artists’ Red Carpet outfits, performances, and possible victories.

As the night kicked off, viewers at home (and those lucky enough to attend) were dazzled with countless artists’ highly anticipated outfits.

Selena Gomez matched the Red Carpet in a stunning red, flower-textured Oscar de la Renta and Jimmy Choo gown. And she wasn’t the only one who shined on the carpet.

Olivia Rodrigo appeared in a low cut, crystal-silver gown designed by Ludovic de Saint Sernin. And, as some coin Shakira, “the queen of the VMAs” herself arrived in a gold Versace dress.

For the second time, Nicki Minaj hosted. But before we get into the awards of the night, lets do a quick run down of some of the amazing performances that we saw during the awards night.

The show opened with a performance from NLE Choppa and Nelly, who sang “Aint Gonna Answer” and “It’s Getting Hot”, that started out on the red carpet and shifted to their blue stage to start the night off with an extravagant, monochromatic number.

In a brilliant change in atmosphere, Sabrina Carpenter’s glittery performance of “Feather” and “Nonsense” followed, performed on a black-and-white stage that transitioned into a dark red, club-style light.

Olivia Rodrigo, who’s sophomore album came out only four days prior, performed its lead single “Vampire.” In her performance, she had “Olivia lookalikes” and even recreated the stage malfunction from the “Vampire” music video.

But Rodrigo wasn’t the only one promoting a new album—Demi Lovato promoted her new album Revamped by performed her time-old classic “heart attack” (interesting strategy) with a multitude of blinging lights that engulfed her and her band, and allowed them disappear in the haze like the lights wereclouds. It was a very classic, Lovato, rock concert vibe.

Shakira then went on to perform for the first time at the VMAs since 2006. She breathed some new life into the night with her Latin American-influenced performance of “Hips don’t lie” and “whenever wherever” by alternating between Spanish and English.

The Latin superstar didn’t fail to live up to her name, as she became the first South American artist to receive the Video Vanguard Award at the VMAs.

Perhaps the most exciting news of the night was that the queen of pop herself, Ms. Taylor Alison Swift, decided to attend the VMAs. Swift doesn’t frequent the red carpet for award shows (although her name certainly does), so it is always a big deal when she decides to show.

One of the most coveted awards in the pop industry—‘Best Pop’—was presented by none other than the iconic NSYNC. This marked a decade since the beloved boyband performed at the VMAs in 2013.

The recipient was none other than the even more iconic Taylor Swift. In that moment, she fangirled over them like millions used to, and said, ‘“I had your dolls! You’re pop personified! So, to receive this from your golden pop hands is too much!”

Though Swift marveled at NSYNC, there was plenty to marvel about her, in her black and silver-detailed gown. She led the night in nominations, eleven in total, and won nine of them. This put her just one award behind the record holder Peter Gabriel, who ten awards in a single night all the way back in 1987. Swift also now has twenty-three VMAs in total, which puts her in second place for most VMAs awards of all time.

That title belongs to another legend, Beyoncé, with thirty awards. Swift also walked away with the VMA’s most prestigious award—“Best Music Video”—for her self-directed video of “Anti-Hero,” marking her fourth of this specific award, the most out of anyone.

Rap sensation Sean “Diddy” Combs added to his legacy in the industry as he was awarded the Global Icon award. Like many other nostalgia artists that night, Combs decided to go down memory lane by performing hits like ‘Mo Money Mo problems,” “I’ll Be Missing you,” and “It’s All About The Benjamins.” The rap star, along with all of his dancers, was dressed in red with his signature gold necklace. His stage went so far to include pyrotechnics that lit up the night, riled up the crowd, and effectively turned the VMAs into his own party,

But there weren’t only established artists performing at the VMAs—up-and-coming K-Pop band Tomorrow x Together, “TXT”, made their highly anticipated VMAs debut with polished, gradient suits and an electric performance with “Best Latin Video” winner Anitta. Their collaboration named TXT the first K-Pop stars to cross genres. The performance started off with a splash(ha), as the stage transformed into a faux depiction of water.

TXT’s nominations were even more successful than their performance was—they walked away with four awards.

The MTV Video Music Awards always brings out the best of the best. This year was no exception. Fans who tuned in to watch, and of course those who attended, were able to witness greatness from icons like Diddy, Shakira, Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj, TXT, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Fallout Boy (to name a few).

The night brought an array of live performances, genre shifts, near record-breaking wins, and most importantly, it highlighted the excellence that exists within the music industry. Dozens of artists took home awards, but more importantly, the artists left lasting impressions on the millions who watched the show.

The night always has a way of bringing everyone together through music, fan voting, live shows, and surprise appearances. This year did not disappoint.