The VMAs (Video and Music Awards) are an annual award show displaying the amazing music made throughout the year. September 11, 2024, marked 40 years of celebrating musical talent and live performances. This landmark show did not disappoint: From the jaw-dropping performances to the actual awards, this show was one for the books.
During the show, many people performed, including Sabrina Carpenter, Katy Perry, Eminem, Karol G, Chappell Roan, and more. Of these performances, my favorites are Katy Perry and Chappell Roan. Katy Perry sang multiple of her hits like “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream,” “Roar” and “E.T.,” before being awarded the coveted Vanguard award and Iconic Performance award. Her entire set was amazing, which is nothing new for Perry.
However, for the newer artist, Chappell Roan, it was surprising she was able to put on such a great show. Despite her set only including one song, “Good Luck Babe!,” it was still perfect. Her performance stuck out not only because of her impressive singing voice, but also for the theme she chose. Her performance was very medieval-esque, which made for an interesting show.
On the other hand, some performances felt less than great. Personally, I did not enjoy Camila Cabello’s performance at the show. It felt like she was only performing for the camera instead of the crowd and you could tell. Cabello has had this problem before with other performances. More specifically her show at the Glastonbury festival where her fans pointed out that she cared more about the footage than actual fans.
However, performances are not the only thing that makes the VMAs special; the awards are what most people tuned in for. Many artists left with their own awards, but some, on the other hand, were not so lucky. People were outraged when learning Ariana Grande lost the coveted award, Video of the Year, with “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for your Love)” to Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight ft. Post Malone.”
Fans pointed out how Grande’s music video was much more impactful and emotional, and Taylor’s felt more surface level. However, we must remember the VMAs are more of a popularity contest than other award shows. Unlike many shows, the VMAs use a fan voting system, which makes it easier for the more popular artists to win over the artists with a smaller fanbase.
Other fans were upset over how many performances the VMAs had. Many pointed out that the award portion lasted around 10 minutes total out of the entire 2-hour program and most awards were not even announced. However, I think the musical performances are the best part of the show. They highlight some of the artists that had not been selected to win awards, and it is a wonderful way to discover different music.
However, the most important award of the night (according to me), Song of The Year, went to a not-so-foreign song for many. The chart-topping single “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter took home the gold for Song of the Year. Many expressed their happiness over this decision. “Espresso” had been playing on the radio non-stop for months, and it only made sense Carpenter would get an award for this dazzling song.
Despite the highs and lows of the night, this year’s VMAs were still a memorable show. It was entertaining and even with a few devastating losses, it still holds a special place in music history.
