Last night, Hollywood’s biggest names gathered at the UBS Arena in New York for MTV’s 40th Video Music Awards. Determined by fan votes, the VMAs celebrate the best in music videos and have solidified their status as one of the most anticipated award shows each year. From out-of-this-world performances to eccentric red carpet fashion, here’s a recap of everything that went down at the 2024 VMAs.
Major Moments on the Red Carpet
As the award show where Lady Gaga debuted her iconic meat dress, the VMAs are known to bring out unique and eye-catching looks from our favorite celebs. With styles running the gamut from funeral chic to Hollywood glamor, there was no shortage of fun, bold ensembles on this year’s carpet.
For her first look of the night, host Megan Thee Stallion rocked a semi-sheer black mermaid gown by Nicole + Felicia. With a sleek bob and perfectly matched jewels from Lorraine Schwartz, Meg set a high bar for the rest of the evening’s fashion.
C, Xoxo singer Camilla Cabello also sported an all-black ensemble by Tony Ward, though her look was decidedly more Gothic. In a lacy black veil and oversized cross, Cabello said she was dressed for a “funeral for everything that doesn’t serve me.”
If you just glanced at your TV screen, you might have thought that the Pink Power Ranger was making her VMAs debut. But that was actually Lil Nas X in a pink and white leather moto moment, complete with a helmet to match. The Star Walkin’ singer has long broken the internet with his iconic VMAs looks, including a a matching gilded feather cage and headpiece in 2022.
In one of the more controversial looks of the night, TikTok’s own Addison Rae took the carpet in a playful tulle-embellished underwear and padded bra set by Miss Claire Sullivan. While some lamented online that the look wasn’t flattering, others praised the “Diet Pepsi” singer for her commitment to campy fashion.
Chart-topper Sabrina Carpenter channeled old Hollywood glamor in a sparkling strapless gown by Bob Mackie. The dress was custom-made for and originally worn by Madonna at the 1991 Oscars. Staying true to the original look, Carpenter styled her blonde locks in bouncy, Marilyn Monroe-inspired curls and finished off the look with a bold red lip.
Your favorite artist’s favorite artist Chappell Roan teased her medieval-inspired performance with a sheer maroon gown and green cloak by Y/Project. The singer leaned fully into the “Roan of Arc” aesthetic, accessorizing the look with a sword.
Along with her outfit, Roan made waves after a verbal altercation with a photographer on the carpet. After the photographer yelled to Roan to “shut the f**k up,” Roan clapped back. “You shut the f**k up,” the singer exclaimed. “Not with me, b*tch.”
Before making history as the first South African artist to win a VMA, Tyla turned heads in a yellow string mini-dress on the VMAs red carpet. The 22-year-old added several pops of color, including turquoise briefs that peeked through her dress, to brighten up the look even more.
Aliens, Armor and A-List Performances
The most exciting part of any VMAs is getting to watch the year’s most popular artists take the stage for iconic performances. After an incredibly successful summer, Carpenter was one of the most anticipated performances at this year’s awards. The “Espresso” singer was joined by her own army of moon men and even shared a kiss with an extraterrestrial as she performed three songs from her newest album, Short N Sweet.
Roan traded astronauts for knights as she performed her hit single “Good Luck Babe.” Continuing with her medieval motif from the carpet, Roan changed into full-body armor and carried a crossbow in front of a fiery castle as her dancers sword-fought their way across the stage.
Though she was already hosting, Meg Thee Stallion pulled double duty, performing hits “BOA” and “HISS” and later bringing out Japanese rapper and singer Yuki Chiba for a performance of “Mamushi.”
LL Cool J got audience members on their feet with a medley of some of his most iconic hits including “Going Back to Cali” and “Headsprung.” The rapper, who later brought out Chuck D and Flavor Flav for a performance of “Bring the Noise,” also performed a song from his newest album The Force, which was released on September 6.
Eminem, Cabello, Shawn Mendes, GloRilla and Jessie Murph were among the other artists who rocked the VMAs stage throughout the show. In a huge night for international artists, Rauw Alexander, Karol G, LE SSERAFIM, LISA and Anitta also performed.
A Big Win for This California Girl
After a mixed-reception to her newest releases, Katy Perry is finally catching a break. The Woman’s World singer was honored with the Video Vanguard Award, a lifetime achievement award for artists who have had a profound impact on popular culture and music videos. As part of the honor, Perry performed a 10-minute medley of her greatest hits including “I Kissed a Girl” and “ET.” She also brought out Doechii to perform their new song, “I’m His, He’s Mine.”
After the performance, Perry took a moment to thank her fans, as well as MTV, as she accepted the award. “Thank you so much to MTV for believing in my weirdness from day one,” she said. “And for helping artists extend their worlds beyond a song.”
Swift Sweeps
Is it really the VMAs if Taylor Swift doesn’t leave with an armful of awards? For the third year in a row, Swift left with the top honor of the night, the VMA for Best Music Video for her recently released track “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone. The Tortured Poets Department singer took home six additional VMAs this year, including the award for Best Artist. With 30 VMAs under her belt, Swift is now tied with Beyoncé as the most-awarded musician in VMA-history, and surpassed the Cowboy Carter singer as the most-decorated solo artist of all time.
Between its star-studded performances and larger-than-life fashion, this year’s VMAs will go down as another successful iteration of music lovers’ favorite award show. Missed out on the big night? See all the performances on MTV’s YouTube channel.
What's Your Reaction?
