The 2024 Music Television Video Music Awards (VMAs) was an electrifying fusion of spectacle, drama and major cultural moments that will be replayed and memed for months to come. Held at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, the night was nothing short of a pop-culture explosion, an extravaganza where music's biggest stars basked in their own victories and set the stage on fire (sometimes literally). In true VMAs fashion, there was more star power than a supernova, and I was there to witness it all.
Taylor Swift: The Queen of All Things VMAs
No recap of the 2024 VMAs would be complete without dedicating a solid chunk to THE Taylor Swift, who, at this point, is in a league of her own. If anyone is keeping score, Swift has fully entered her "I own this awards show" era — and she’s not looking back. She not only cleaned up with Best Pop, Best Collaboration (for her smash hit “Fortnight” with Post Malone), Video of the Year and Artist of the Year (making her the most awarded solo act in VMA history) — but also delivered an acceptance speech that melted even the iciest hearts in the crowd.
"There’s a very clear reason why Post Malone is everyone in music favorite person to collaborate with,” Swift gushed. “It is because [he’s] so ridiculously talented, so versatile and the most down-to-earth person.” It was a lovefest of epic proportions, with Malone returning the sentiment by praising Swift’s kindness and talent. Swift's acceptance felt like a scene from a blockbuster flick where two A-list celebrities share their mutual admiration while the rest of us just sit there, hoping to absorb some of that magic.
Beyond her wins, Swift’s presence dominated the night. Whether she was dancing to the performances or flashing that signature heart-shaped hand sign to her fans, Swift felt like both a nominee and the show’s unofficial host. She is the moment, constantly cementing her role as a pop culture juggernaut (and trust, the whole world knows it).
Sabrina Carpenter: Everyone wants a taste of THAT espresso
While Swift was ruling the VMAs like the queen she is, Carpenter was busy making sure no one would forget her performance. The coquette singer delivered a medley that was part pop-concert fantasy, part homage to Britney Spears. As if playing her hit “Please Please Please” against a backdrop of astronauts wasn’t enough, Carpenter dropped a cheeky spoken interlude from Spears’s “Oops!... I Did It Again,“ which had die-hard Spears stans screaming.
Yes, there was an alien. And yes, Carpenter kissed it. If anyone was wondering what it would look like if Spears's Circus met the paranormal television series Stranger Things, well, here’s your answer. The real kicker was when she transitioned to her fiery track “Espresso,” proving once again that Carpenter is not just pop’s newest darling but an undeniable force of nature, causing ripples and here to stay. Who else could pull off Spears references and an alien kiss in the same breath? No one but Carpenter, that’s who.
Karol G: The Latin queen of the VMAs
But wait, let’s not forget Karol G, whose performance of “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido’” lit up the VMAs stage with all the heat of a Colombian summer. Karol’s commanding presence had the crowd dancing and shouting along, reminding everyone why she’s the reigning queen of Latin pop. Though she didn’t walk away with the Best Latin award (that honor went to Anitta for “Mil Veces”), Karol’s influence was felt throughout the night.
The fact that Karol was even in contention with stars like Bad Bunny and Shakira speaks volumes about her impact. And can we talk about her fashion? Karol looked like she had just stepped off the set of a high-fashion music video, bringing the glam and fierce attitude we’ve come to expect from her. She didn’t need a Moon Person to remind everyone that she's a global superstar; the stage was hers, we were all just lucky to witness it.
The iconic drama and cultural flashpoints
Of course, it wouldn't be the VMAs without some extra drama and culture-defining moments. Host Megan Thee Stallion got people buzzing by channeling Spears’s legendary “I’m a Slave 4 U” look, complete with a green bra top and — yes — an actual snake. While Megan wasn’t as enthusiastic about her reptilian co-host as Spears was in 2001, the homage was clear, and fans were all over it.
Meanwhile, Katy Perry was honored with the Video Vanguard award, presented in an emotional speech by her partner, Orlando Bloom. His words gave us all the feels: “You know her as a global superstar...I know her as a mother, as a partner who brings that same love and joy to our family.” Cue the waterworks. Perry’s medley of hits was the perfect cap to her shining moment, culminating in a sweet onstage kiss with Bloom that made the whole arena swoon.
And let’s not forget the Best Hip Hop category, where Eminem clinched the win with the hit song “Houdini” over fierce competition from Megan and Travis Scott. As always, Eminem brought a dose of realness to the night that was nothing less than what we expected from such a hip-hop icon.
Final thoughts: pop culture heaven
In a year full of album drops, tour announcements and internet-breaking moments, the 2024 VMAs managed to pack all of pop culture's biggest players into one room and let them loose. From Swift’s reign over all things awards and stardom to Karol G’s Latin pop dominance, the night was a celebration of music's power to define and reflect the moment we’re living in. It wasn’t just an awards show; it was a pop culture event that will have everyone talking — and tweeting — for weeks.
So, here’s to another VMAs in the books. If this year taught us anything, it’s that the VMAs are still where pop culture lives, breathes and combusts into viral moments. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go rewatch that Carpenter performance on loop.
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