You can always trust the MTV VMAs to bring you iconic performances and fashion, and this year was no different. Although there were some moments that the awards show could have left out altogether.
A Night of Firsts
The star-studded event took place on August 28 in the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Two artists in particular not only should be celebrated for winning an award, but also for their unique achievement of being the first to do so!
In BLACKPINK’s case, they were the first all female group to win the ‘Group of the Year’ award this century. This hasn’t been done since TLC in 1999! Undoubtedly that is an incredible achievement for the K-Pop quartet.
As for Bad Bunny, the reggaeton artist, made history with his ‘Artist of the Year’ win. Bad Bunny is the first non-English language performer to win an award in this category. Truthfully, I’m surprised that this has only happened now in 2022. Nonetheless, huge congratulations are in order to Bad Bunny.
Black Carpet Fashion: Best Dressed
The VMAs love to switch up the colour of the carpet every year, this year the carpet was black with a white backdrop featuring blue VMA and green moon man stickers. I wasn’t the biggest fan of this combination. Regardless, who cares about the backdrop? All we want to know is how the celebs turned up.
One of my favourites of the night was Taylor Swift. She was a surprise appearance at the awards show, people still weren’t sure if she was attending until she arrived. In true Taylor Swift style, she arrived looking priceless in a gorgeous bejewelled dress.
Taylor Swift
Lil Nas X is another celeb who looked incredible on the black carpet. The rapper wore a stunning tiered overskirt and head piece designed by Harris Reed. The outfit may look familiar to some as the same look was worn by Man Abdulmajid at the 2022 Met Gala. Although Lil Has X wore it slightly differently and in a different colour.
Lil Nas X
Some of my other favourites include Sabrina Carpenter, Khalid and Måneskin.
Sabrina Carpenter
Khalid
Måneskin
Highlights of the night
Most importantly, we must talk about Nicki Minaj’s amazing medley of her songs. The medley included hits such as Roman’s Revenge, Moment 4 Life, and her latest single, Super Freaky Girl.
On Sunday night, Nicki Minaj also received the Video Vanguard Award. This award is given to those who have made an impact on music video and pop culture and is a way to celebrate their outstanding contributions. Nicki is without a doubt a superstar. A rap genius whose individuality and influence is clear as day. She is most definitely deserving of this award.
Another highlight of the night was Taylor Swift’s announcement that she’ll be releasing her 10th studio album soon. The announcement was made during Taylor Swift’s speech after winning the ‘Video of the Year’ award for All Too Well: The Short Film.
Early 2000s icon Fergie’s comeback on the VMA stage was another iconic moment of the night. This happened during Jack Harlow’s performance of his hit single First Class, where he samples Fergie’s Glamorous. When Harlow asked the crowd to make some noise for Fergie I let out a squeal of excitement. I was not expecting that!
A Questionable Moment
At some points during the event, actor Johnny Depp would appear with his face superimposed onto an astronaut’s body to deliver some lines. What was the relevance or need for this? I’m not sure. It felt out-of-place. The VMAs are a music award show, so having Depp make these cameos made no sense at all.
The winners of the night
Here is everyone who took home a moon man:
- Best Alternative Winner: “I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE” – Måneskin
- Best Metaverse Performance Winner: BLACKPINK
- PUSH Performance of the Year Winner: “Rock with you” – Seventeen
- Best Collaboration Winner: “INDUSTRY BABY” – Lil Was X & Jack Harlow
- Best Longform Video Winner: “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)” – Taylor Swift
- Album of the Year Winner: Harry’s House – Harry Styles
- Best K-Pop Winner: “LALISA” – Lisa
- Video for Good Winner: “About Damn Time” – Lizzo
- Best Latin Winner: “Envolver” – Anitta
- Best Hip-Hop Winner: “Do We Have a Problem” – Nicki Minaj ft. Lil Baby
- Song of Summer Winner: “First Class” – Jack Harlow
- Best New Artist Winner: Dove Cameron
- Group of the Year Winner: BTS
- Song of the Year Winner: “Happier Than Ever” – Billie Eilish
- Best R&B Winner: “Out of Time” – The Weeknd
- Best Pop Winner: “As It Was” – Harry Styles
- Best Direction Winner: “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)” – Taylor Swift
- Best Visual Effects Winner: “INDUSTRY BABY” – Lil Was X & Jack Harlow
- Best Art Direction Winner: “INDUSTRY BABY” – Lil Was X & Jack Harlow
- Best Editing Winner: “SAOKO” – Rosalía
- Best Choreography Winner: “Woman” – Doja Cat
- Video of the Year Winner: “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)” – Taylor Swift