The 2024 MTV VMAs: A Full Recap of Taylor Swift's Wins, the Jaw-Dropping Fashion and Epic Performances

Mar. 15, 2025

Mike Coppola/Getty

Four decades after launching what would become a pop culture juggernautwith its very first VMAs, the music television network put on its 40th anniversary show on Wednesday, Sept. 11, live from the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

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Katy Perryreceivedthe Video Vanguard Awardand also performed a medley of her hits. Previous recipients over the years for the prestigious honor includeShakira,Beyoncé,Nicki Minaj,Madonna,Janet Jackson,Jennifer Lopez,RihannaandMissy Elliott.

PEOPLE covered the VMAs live with reporters on the red carpet and at the arena, sharing all the fashion fun as well as every powerful performance, can’t-miss moment and memorable acceptance speech.

Keep reading for a full recap.

September 11, 2024 11:37 PM EDT

Beyoncé and Taylor Swift in October 2023.John Shearer/Getty

John Shearer/Getty

In a move that should surprise no one,Taylor Swiftis officially in her history-making era.

That’s five more than Beyoncé, who going into this year’s show held the previous record of 25 solo-artist wins.

As if that weren’t enough, Swift also becomes the first artist in VMAs history to win video of the year five times.

Congratulations, Taylor!

September 11, 2024 11:25 PM EDT

In her acceptance speech, Swift gave a sweet shout-out to boyfriendTravis Kelce, explaining that he was a source of light on set, making it “the most fun video to make.”

“Something I’ll always remember is when I would finish a take and I’d say, ‘Cut,’ I would always just hear someone cheering like, ‘Wooo’ from across the studio where we were shooting it. That one person was my boyfriend Travis,” Swift said.

“Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic, so I want to thank him for adding that to our shoot because I’ll always remember that,” she said.

LL Cool J Celebrates 40 Years of Def Jam with Flavor Flav and Chuck D

September 11, 2024 11:19 PM EDT

Joining LL Cool J were his Def Jam labelmates Public Enemy. Together they performed a medley of classic hits like “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “Bring the Noise.”

The rapper/actor also performed an energetic rendition of “Doin’ It."

September 11, 2024 11:13 PM EDT

Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty

“What an amazing year for the Latin culture,” Anitta said while accepting the moon person, shouting out fellow nominee Karol G for her monumental year and “all the nominees.”

“Thank you for my country,” she added. “I always come back because I know Brazil always got my back. For me to be here every year is really special to me.”

September 11, 2024 11:04 PM EDT

“Can you believe it? We’re at the VMAs!”

“I dedicate this to all the drag artists who inspire me. And I dedicate this to queer and trans people that fuel pop,” she said. “To the gays who dedicate my songs to someone they love or hate. And thank you to the people who are fans who listen to me who hear me when I share my joys or fears. Thank you for listening to me.”

“For all the queer kids in the midwest watching right now, I see you,” Roan continued. “I understand you because I’m one of you. And don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t be exactly who you want to be, bitch.”

Camila Cabello Gets Meta with Her Performance, While GloRilla Showcases the Best of Memphis Rap

September 11, 2024 10:53 PM EDT

Arturo Holmes/Getty

GloRilla then showed the best of Memphis rap with her two hits, “Yeah Glo!” and “TGIF"

Lenny Kravitz Returns to the VMAs for His First Performance in 26 Years

September 11, 2024 10:45 PM EDT

But on Wednesday, Sept. 11, the rocker returned with his signature guitar and glam style to perform a trio of his tunes, both old and new.

His set began with “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” before transitioning into his newest hit, “Human.” Rapper Quavo then joined Kravitz for “Fly.”

“He fine,” host Megan Thee Stallion later said, joking that the attractiveness also extended to his daughter, Zoë Kravitz.

Lisa Calls Win for Best K-Pop Video ‘Very Special to Me’ as a Sea of Other Winners Are Announced

September 11, 2024 10:39 PM EDT

Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock

A full list of winnerscan be found here.

Halsey Rocks Out in the Garage While Performing Her Latest Single, ‘Ego’

September 11, 2024 10:33 PM EDT

Noam Galai/Getty

Rocking out in a set built to look like a garage alongside other musicians, Halsey went back to basics, performing her latest single, “Ego,” with deep emotion and her signature raw vocals.

September 11, 2024 10:27 PM EDT

September 11, 2024 10:17 PM EDT

The singer andGirl Meets Worldalumna saw her hit “Espresso” named song of the year — an honor that would mark her first-ever VMA win.

“This is really special,” she said, holding the moon person.

She went on to thank those closest to her, including her team, collaborators and “cats and dogs at home.” But it all started with the ones that she cherished the most: Carpenter’s fans.

“The first people I want to thank are the fans,” she said. “You guys are the reason I get to do what I love and also that we get to have so much fun and share music with each other. And I just feel so grateful, I have truly the best fans in the world. I know it sounds cheesy, but I love you.”

Benson Boone Literally Flips Out While Singing His Viral Hit ‘Beautiful Things’

September 11, 2024 10:12 PM EDT

The singer, who won a moon person earlier in the evening, started small with an quiet serenade before ramping up the rock with big sound and even bigger vocal — all while wearing a sparkly blue jumpsuit.

September 11, 2024 10:06 PM EDT

TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty

The rapper performed a massive medley of songs including “BOA,” “B.A.S.” and “Hiss."

It ended with “Mamushi,” the duet with Yuki Chiba that earned her a VMA earlier in the evening. Chiba even came all the way from Japan to join her for the set.

Tyla Declares That ‘African Music Can Be Pop Music’ with Her Win for Best Afrobeats

September 11, 2024 10:00 PM EDT

“Thank you so much,” she said, accepting the trophy. “This is such a big moment for Africa, African music. The global impact that water has had on the world just proves that African music can be pop music, too!”

She went on to urge fans to see the diversity in African music.

“This is just so special, but also bittersweet because I know there’s a tendency to group all African artists under Afrobeat,” Tyla said. “It’s a thing and even though Afrobeats have opened so many doors for us, African music is so diverse. It’s more than just Afrobeats.”

“I come from South Africa, I represent my culture. And I just want to shout out all the Afrobeats artists in this category with me,” she said. “I love you guys.”

September 11, 2024 09:47 PM EDT

Katy Perry Get Introspective During Candid Video Vanguard Acceptance Speech: ‘I Was Born to Do This’

September 11, 2024 09:38 PM EDT

She went on to thank her parents and family, who she called “the deepest roots I know.” Said Perry: “We don’t always agree but what a lesson that those disagreements can be full of love.”

Bloom also got love, Perry thanking him for “keeping me grounded and celebrated and doing the dishes.” And their daughter Daisy, Perry said, was “the only flowers I’ll ever need.”

Afterwards, Perry got reflective about her career, the industry and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

“I’m excited when I look around music today and see all the amazing young artists who are operating with confidence, agency, vulnerability and authenticity,” she said. “I’ve heard a lot of ‘Do this, don’t say that, wear less, wear more now, don’t cut your hair.’ One of the biggest reasons I’m standing here now is I learned how to block out all the noise; that every single artist in this industry has to constantly fight against, especially women.”

Those were words that had many of her contemporaries, including Taylor Swift, cheering in the audience.

“I just want to say with my whole heart, do whatever it takes to stay true to yourself and true to your art,” Perry said. “Turn off social media, safeguard your mental health, pause, touch grass. And do what you were born to do, just like I was born to do this.”

Katy Perry Flies Through the Air, Sings a Medley of Her Hits in Packed 10-Minute Video Vanguard Performance

September 11, 2024 09:27 PM EDT

Singing a medley of her hits, the pop star effortlessly went from setup to setup, flying in the air, dancing and hitting every note along the way.

Her set include “Dark Horse,” “E.T.,” “I’m His, He’s Mine” (with Doechii), “California Girls,” “Teenage Dream,” “I Kissed a Girl,” “Firework” and “Lifetimes.”

“Thank you,” she said afterwards. “I did that all not the first day of my period too, can you believe it?”

Orlando Bloom Introduces Katy Perry’s Video Vanguard Performance in Sweet Speech, Calling Her ‘Irresistible’

September 11, 2024 09:12 PM EDT

“You fell in love with her as Katy Perry. I feel in love with her as Katherine Hudson,” said the actor, who shares 3-year-old daughter Daisy with Perry. “You know her as a global superstar who brings love, light and her unique sense of humor to every song she writes and music video she creates. I know her as a mother, as a partner, who brings that same love and joy to our family.”

“In moments when we’ve most needed it, her music and the remarkable world she creates has brought a sense of joy and laughter, inspiring generations of people from all over the world,” said Bloom. “She loves with her whole heart and it’s kind of irresistible. I see it reflected everywhere; in our home, in her love for her work, but especially in her love for her fans.”

He ended his speech with the code for “I love you,” telling Perry, “1-4-3.” (which is also the name of her new album).

September 11, 2024 09:00 PM EDT

So it’s no surprise that Sabrina Carpenter, when performing at the 40th annual VMAs on Wednesday, Sept. 11, referenced the smooch.

The kiss came halfway through her medley of hits “Please Please Please,” “Taste” and “Espresso.” In the middle of a love triangle between a moon man and a female alien, Carpenter pushed the space traveler into the crowd before pulling the extra-terrestrial in for a passionate kiss.

Carpenter is up for six VMAs, including artist of the year.

LISA Makes Her Solo VMA Performance Debut, While Shawn Mendes Debuts a New Song

September 11, 2024 08:44 PM EDT

For LISA, who performed her songs “New Woman” and “Rockstar,” it was a chance to make her debut appearance as a solo artist. The Thai rapper, singer and dancer previously appeared on the show as a member of the South Korean girl group, BLACKPINK.

Mendes had his own debut — though, in a different way. He premiered his new song, “Nobody Knows” on the VMA stage, channeling Jeff Buckley with the guitar-driven track as his exes,Camila CabelloandSabrina Carpenter, were in attendance.

“When you’re so in love / And your souls touch / But it’s still not enough / Where does it go?” he sings in the tune, off his upcoming fifth studio album, set to release on Oct. 18. “Nobody knows”

September 11, 2024 08:31 PM EDT

The crowd at the UBS Arena were on their feet on Wednesday night, when Karol G took the stage to perform her hit “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.”

Dancing in the crowd with celebrity attendees like Taylor Swift and Camila Cabello, the Colombian singer got the party started with a standout, high-octane performance that only she could command.

Taylor Swift Honors 9/11 Victims While Accepting Her First VMA of the Night for Best Collaboration with Post Malone

September 11, 2024 08:21 PM EDT

Post Malone and Taylor Swift.Mike Coppola/Getty

Taylor Swift and Post Malone won the first moon person of the main show on Wednesday, Sept. 11, for best collaboration on the video for their song, “Fortnight.”

But before sending out thanks, Swift took the mic to honor the 2,996 people who tragically died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

“Waking up this morning in New York on Sept. 11, I’ve just been thinking about what happened 23 years ago, everyone who lost a loved one and everyone that we lost,” Swift said. “And that is the most important thing about today and everything that happens tonight falls behind that.”

She went on to express her gratitude to “the people who worked so hard with me on this video,” specifically singing Malone’s praises.

“You are so ridiculously talented, you are so versatile, and you are the most down-to-earth person. Honestly, so unfailing polite. It has taken me forever to get him to stop calling me ma’am.”

Malone then took the mic, saying he was an “an absolute loss for words," before calling Swift, “one of the most kind and talented people I’ve ever had the honor of knowing."

“Just the amount of work and care and love that she puts into everything that she does… I watched her tied up to the operating thing in the music video and she was directing the music video from there,” he said. “It was pretty bad ass.”

September 11, 2024 08:15 PM EDT

Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?

The staging was modeled after his iconic performance of “The Real Slim Shady” at the 2000 VMAs, in which he entered with hundreds of extras dressed up exactly like him.

September 11, 2024 08:08 PM EDT

Jamie McCarthy/WireImage

The superstar singer — who is up for 12 awards this year, including video of the year — walked the black carpet without boyfriend Travis Kelce.

Putting a sexy spin on her love of all things prep, Swift turned heads in an yellow plaid corset with an attached skirt with black hot pants. She paired the look with thigh-high boots and bicep-length caged gloves.

Lenny Kravitz Grabs a VMA for Best Rock Video and Dedicates It to His Late Mother

September 11, 2024 08:04 PM EDT

“I am so grateful,” he continued, before dedicating the win to his late mother,Roxie Roker. “31 years ago my mother was with me, the last time she was with me at an awards show was at the VMAs, so I dedicate this to her.”

Roker, an actress best known for portraying Helen Willis onNorman Lear’s classic sitcomThe Jeffersons, died of breast cancer in 1995.

Megan Thee Stallion Wins Her First VMA of the Night

September 11, 2024 07:59 PM EDT

Kevin Mazur/Getty

She’s not just a host, she’s also a winner!

Shouting with joy, Megan accepted the honor for best trending video for “Mamushi,” her collaboration with Yuki Chiba.

“I was shocked,” she said when asked about the reaction to the song. “Me and Yuki recorded that song in Japan in a small apartment/studio. We were just messing around. We had no idea it was going to come out like that!”

Megan is up for a handful of other awards this year. She won her first-ever VMA in 2002 for best hip-hop video for “Savage.”

September 11, 2024 07:48 PM EDT

Asked how motherhood has impacted her approach to music, Perry said “it’s changed my whole entire life.”

“I feel a sense of wholeness and more roundedness and I think I’m writing songs from a place of really truly empowered, feeling really connected to my feminine divine,” she said. “It’s changed my whole life for the better.”

Benson Boone Wins His First VMA for Best Alternative

September 11, 2024 07:41 PM EDT

Benson Boone performing on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’.Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty

Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty

Up for a total of three awards this year, including best new artist, Boone won his first trophy for his song “Beautiful Things,” which was named best alternative.

“It’s really heavy,” he said on the show. “Thank you!”

September 11, 2024 07:33 PM EDT

Halsey and Elizabeth Hurley.Getty(2)

Getty(2)

The singer re-wore a red leopard print Versace dress that the model first rocked in 1996, during an outing to the Versace boutique alongside Hugh Grant.

Look Back at the First VMAs Ever!

September 11, 2024 07:21 PM EDT

AP Photo/G Paul Burnett

Dan AykroydandBette Midlerco-hosted, while a who’s-who of the biggest pop stars of the decade were on the guest list, includingCyndi Lauper,ZZ Top,Madonna,Tina TurnerandEddie Murphy.

Relive all the memories inPEOPLE’s Vintage Star Tracksgallery.

Are Wedding Bells in Anitta’s Future? She’s ‘Manifesting’ with Her 2024 VMAs Look

September 11, 2024 07:09 PM EDT

Anittais dressing for the job she wants!

The Brazillian funk queen showed up at the 2024 Video Music Awards in a white bridal-inspired look, complete with veil.

“I can’t say much. But it’s cute, I like it,” she said. “I’m kind of manifesting to the world. Let’s see if something happens.”

“Oh, you’re trying to get married?” Anitta was asked.

“I don’t know,” she laughed. “That’s just a joke. But maybe? I don’t know. But maybe. Maybe yes, maybe no!”

Anitta is up for a trio of moon people this year, and will be performing. Taking the stage, she said, is one of the things she’s looking forward to the most. “Performing for the audience is always amazing,” she said. “My fans always be waiting for it.”

Le Sserafim Brings the Heat to the 2024 VMAs Pre-Show

September 11, 2024 06:56 PM EDT

The South Korean girl group — members of which include Kim Chaewon, Sakura, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, and Hong Eunchae — gave an energetic performance, complete with killer choreography and powerful pyrotechnics.

Fans of Le Sserafim first heard “1-800–hot-n-fun” during their performance at Coachella 2024. It was later officially released, as the fourth track off their EP,CRAZY.

September 11, 2024 06:37 PM EDT

Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

FromChappell RoantoLenny KravitztoKarol G, see all of the stars show off their awards show looks before making their way inside for the big show.

Check out the constantly updating galleryhere.

Chappell Roan Walks the Red Carpet in a Look Perfect for Day-to-Knight

September 11, 2024 06:33 PM EDT

Chappell Roanhad a very special accessory with her on the 2024 VMAs red carpet — a knight!

This is Roan’s first VMAs. She is nominated for a few awards, including best new artist, and will be performing her hit, “Good Luck, Babe.”

Lenny Kravitz Skips His Shirt but Keeps His Tie in an Edgy All-Black Leather Look for the 2024 VMAs

September 11, 2024 06:19 PM EDT

Lenny Kravitzfound one way to stay cool on the 2024 VMAs red carpet.

The 60-year-old rocker showed up to the show without his shirt, going bare-chested instead.

Of course, it’s not the first time Kravitzhas made a shirtless fashion statement at an awards show. After all,he puts the time in at the gym— might as well show it off.

But this time, Kravitz covered up a bit, wearing a black leather coat and matching black leather tie, which he accessorized with a diamond broach.

Kravitz is set to perform a medley of his hits on the VMAs Wednesday night, including “Are You Gonna Go My Way.”

Could Taylor Swift Become the Most-Awarded Musician in VMAs History?September 11, 2024 05:52 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostTaylor Swift performing in the Eras Tour in March 2023.John Shearer/GettyTaylor Swiftjust might be in her history-making era.The singer leads the VMAs nominees this year, racking up a solid dozen — one of which is for the coveted video of the year for “Fortnight,” her collab with Post Malone.Swift has already won video of the year four times before, so a triumph this year against fellow nominees Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, SZA and Eminem would only extend her record for the most wins in that category.But, should Swift win three or more moon people throughout the evening, she’ll push past Beyoncé as the artist with the most VMAs in history (The “Crazy in Love” singer has 25 solo-artist wins, while Swift right now has 23).At least one person is rooting for Swift: her boyfriendTravis Kelce.Speaking on a new episode of theNew Heights with Jason and Travis Kelcepodcast released Wednesday, Sept. 11, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, 34, said he hopes Swift “can walk away with a few… of those things tonight.““Those are always one of the cooler trophies,” he said. “The space guys.”

Could Taylor Swift Become the Most-Awarded Musician in VMAs History?

September 11, 2024 05:52 PM EDT

Taylor Swift performing in the Eras Tour in March 2023.John Shearer/Getty

Taylor Swiftjust might be in her history-making era.

The singer leads the VMAs nominees this year, racking up a solid dozen — one of which is for the coveted video of the year for “Fortnight,” her collab with Post Malone.

Swift has already won video of the year four times before, so a triumph this year against fellow nominees Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, SZA and Eminem would only extend her record for the most wins in that category.

But, should Swift win three or more moon people throughout the evening, she’ll push past Beyoncé as the artist with the most VMAs in history (The “Crazy in Love” singer has 25 solo-artist wins, while Swift right now has 23).

At least one person is rooting for Swift: her boyfriendTravis Kelce.

Speaking on a new episode of theNew Heights with Jason and Travis Kelcepodcast released Wednesday, Sept. 11, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, 34, said he hopes Swift “can walk away with a few… of those things tonight.”

“Those are always one of the cooler trophies,” he said. “The space guys.”

Megan Thee Stallion Teases She’ll Be Changing Her Clothes ‘500 Times’ During the VMAsSeptember 11, 2024 05:16 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostGetty ImagesMegan Thee Stallion is planning a few costume changes throughout the evening.In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE ahead of the VMAs, the rapper, 29, hinted that she’ll have multiple wardrobe fits during showtime, teasing, “I’m excited to change clothes 500 times!“That’s not all she’s looking forward to. Megan also said she’s “excited to perform” and “excited to see all the Hotties.““I love New York,” the Grammy winner adds. “I can’t wait to be there again and eat all the food, and I’m excited for people to see what I bring to the table while hosting,“Read more from Meganhere.

Megan Thee Stallion Teases She’ll Be Changing Her Clothes ‘500 Times’ During the VMAs

September 11, 2024 05:16 PM EDT

Getty Images

Megan Thee Stallion is planning a few costume changes throughout the evening.

In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE ahead of the VMAs, the rapper, 29, hinted that she’ll have multiple wardrobe fits during showtime, teasing, “I’m excited to change clothes 500 times!”

That’s not all she’s looking forward to. Megan also said she’s “excited to perform” and “excited to see all the Hotties.”

“I love New York,” the Grammy winner adds. “I can’t wait to be there again and eat all the food, and I’m excited for people to see what I bring to the table while hosting,”

Read more from Meganhere.

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source: people.com