The 2024 VMAs were a groundbreaking spectacle, showcasing the talents of hardworking artists and their teams throughout the year. We saw some phenomenal performances from Megan Thee Stallion, Chappell Roan, of course, our girl Taylor, and so many more! But what awards were won? In no particular order, let's recap 10 of the most iconic moments at the 2024 VMAs!
10. Sabrina Carpenter - Song of the Year - "Espresso"
Going up against Kendrick Lamar and Beyonce isn't an easy feat, but Sabrina did it! Having skyrocketed in popularity recently, she is all over the radio. We watched this girl go from Disney Channel star to an award-winning solo queen with not one, but three chart-topping hits in 2024. With "Espresso" and "Please Please Please" coming in first and third on the Billboard top 10. It's no surprise that "Espresso" won Song of the Year. It's just so catchy!
9. Chappell Roan - Best New Artist
It's no secret that we've all fallen in love with Chappell Roan this year. Even if you didn't immediately listen to her, she's unavoidable and infectiously charismatic. Her music speaks to us in a way that so many artists before her failed to do. We always feel like she's speaking directly to us in the LGBTQ community and our inner Midwest Princesses. With that said, there is no one more deserving of Best New Artist than THE Midwest Princess herself. Having made the insane jump to nearly 45 million monthly listeners on Spotify in less than a year, it's clear that Chappell deserves the world and more.
8. Billie Eilish - Video For Good - "What I Was Made For"
If you happened to catch Barbenheimer in its heyday, you were there for all the smiles and tears in the Barbie movie. That includes one iconic song that lifted our spirits and melted our hearts, "What I Was Made For". The video features a Barbie-like version of Billie unpacking doll clothes from a box. If you look closely, you'll notice they're all clothes she's worn in past performances. Things quickly begin to fall apart as the wind blows and rain pours, throwing off the organized accessories on the table. We watch as Billie struggles through the storm, but ultimately cleans up the mess, packs up, and leaves. I feel that this video touched so many souls because it's an allegory for life. We think we have it all together and when the storm comes, we just have to push through it. Sometimes things just fall apart. We weren't made to keep them together.
7. Megan Thee Stallion - Best Trending Video - "Mamushi" feat. Yuki Chiba
We can't forget our fearless host of the awards show, Megan Thee Stallion, who had her own nominations and performance this year. Megan took home Best Trending Video this year and it's easy to see why. "Mamushi" is an absolute earworm. Having been trending on TikTok since its release, the track has attracted a lot of attention. It blends Western hip-hop with Japanese verses in a way that only Megan could acheive. What sets her apart from other women who dominate hip-hop is her unrelenting authenticity. We've seen Megan in cosplay several times. We know she loves anime, and she's fighting the stigma that black women can't cosplay. She's fighting the stigma that celebrities shouldn't have hobbies of their own. We love her and all that she stands for.
6. Taylor Swift - Song of Summer - "Fortnight" feat. Post Malone
Taylor's most recent album, The Tortured Poets Department was long awaited by fans when it was finally released in April 2024, just in time for summer. "Fortnight" being the first song on the album, definitely made a splash. Its iconic video paired with its deeper meaning is something that's kept listeners intrigued long after the song's release. Not to mention having fellow star, Post Malone on the track. We think the duo does a great job together and the award is well-deserved.
5. Ariana Grande - Best Cinematography - "we can't be friends"
We have raved about Ariana Grande's newest album, eternal sunshine on this blog before, and for good reason. Ari and the talented crew who work with her really created something special with this music video. If you've never seen the 2004 film, Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind, you've gotta go watch it and take notes. The video for "we can't be friends" perfectly simulates the harrowing process that Jim Carrey goes through when wiping his memory. The video really captures the same energy and surreal art style of the film, bringing nostalgia and melancholy to the forefront. This one is certainly deserving of the Best Cinematography slot, as it is obvious that countless hours of work and detail went into this. Congrats, Ari!
4. Eminem - Best Visual Effects - "Houdini"
This one is a particularly clever entry on our list today. Eminem won the Best Visual Effects category for his music video for "Houdini", which is a fascinating ride on its own. The video features the current Eminem engaged in a rap battle with his younger self. The video is a ton of fun with superhero gags and lots of VFX. What's the most striking though, is how despite both versions of Eminem being the age he currently is, the younger version is so accurate. They even got a body double to play the younger Shady for the VMA performance. Wild! The artists behind this one really did such a phenomenal job telling the song's meta-narrative in a way that just listening to the track can't convey.
3. Katy Perry - Video Vanguard
Katy Perry took home this year's Video Vanguard award this year and it's so easy to see why. Katy has been the soundtrack of our lives over the years. From unforgettable jams like "I Kissed a Girl" and "Hot N Cold" all the way to her latest single, "I'M HIS. HE'S MINE", Katy has not stopped releasing bangers. Her VMA performance this year was nothing short of ethereal, featuring her up on wires, floating in a magic orb. She really showed her timeless goddess energy on that stage with not only impressive vocals but acrobatic moves as well. Doechii took the stage alongside Katy to perform their new single together, followed by even more of Katy's iconic jams. The fact that we all know every word to every song in this performance only proves Katy's worthiness of Video Vanguard.
2. LISA - Best K-pop Video - "Rockstar"
One-fourth of BlackPink and now solo artist, LISA took home the award for Best K-Pop Video on Wednesday, and rightfully so. LISA reigns as one of the most iconic solo artists in K-pop right now. She's really come a long way since BlackPink debuted in 2016. Have I mentioned how much I love all of this international representation at the VMAs this year? "Rockstar" is a hyper-confident track that brings out the girl power in all of us and LISA doesn't miss a beat on the VMA stage.
1. Anitta - Best Latin - "Mil Veces"
Our final highlight for today is Anitta's victory in the Best Latin category for her track, "Mil Veces". Admittedly, I had never heard of the artist before her VMA performance, but I'm glad I know her now! "Mil Veces" is an incredibly catchy tune, extremely deserving of the award. If you speak Spanish, I'm sure you'll appreciate it even more than I do. Beyond that, the beat is just so danceable. It's a track that's definitely going to be in my regular rotation now. Anitta didn't perform the iconic tune at the VMAs, but brought some of her other hits to the stage that are all fantastic as well. If you haven't heard, "Mil Veces" yet, give it a listen. You'll be glad you did!
It's always so cool to see artists, dancers, and the crew that make music so special coming together in one place. From the US to Asia to Latin America, the VMAs brought us iconic talent from all over the world. So, what do you think? Did you catch these awards at the VMAs? Did we give a faithful recap? Feel free to let us know at our socials below!
Written By Shelbi Baker
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