The 40th MTV VMAs took place Wednesday at the UBS Arena in New York. The award show featured performances from music artists like Benson Boone, Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan.
The award show was hosted by rapper, Megan Thee Stallion, who tried to pay homage to Britney Spears’ 2001 VMA performance. Megan Thee Stallion had a live snake draped around her, replicating Spears’ “I’m a Slave 4 U” VMA performance, but got rid of the snake rather quickly.
The night’s biggest winner would be Taylor Swift. Swift won seven awards, leading her to a total of 30 VMAs. Her awards from the night include “Artist of the year” and “Video of the year.” Swift now ties with Beyonce for the most VMAs awards.
The pop singer also shocked fans by shouting out her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, openly. Swift is known to keep her affections to herself when it comes to her love life but was apparently feeling grateful for the happiness he brings to her.
Women have taken over music this past year with the rise of artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan. The VMAs even gave their lifetime achievement award, the Video Vanguard Award, to female pop star Katy Perry.
Perry gave a 10-minute performance of her greatest hits and new songs from her upcoming album. Although Perry reached a new milestone in her career, the moment is overshadowed by her oversharing during her acceptance speech – when she revealed she did her performance on the first day of her period.
Despite the award show being music-based, athletes were also presented with awards. USA gymnast Jordan Chiles was presented with a “bronze medal” by rapper Flavor Flav. Chiles had won a bronze medal during the 2024 Paris Olympics, but the medal was later revoked because of a scoring appeal. Flav stepped in to make up for the Olympics mishap.
Rising star Benson Boone performed, as well as rock legend Lenny Kravitz.
Coincidentally enough, Sabrina Carpenter, Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes also shared the stage the night of the VMAs. The three music artists have been under close watch from fans after the release of Carpenter’s “Taste” music video, which is believed to be about Cabello and the love triangle the three artists were in.
The VMAs might have ended, but award season has just started. The American Music Awards, AMAs and Country Music Awards will be later this year, which all leads up to the Grammys next year.
