The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) took center stage in New York on Wednesday night, celebrating the best in music videos and performances of the year. Hosted by rapper Megan Thee Stallion, the star-studded event began with an electrifying performance by Eminem, who was joined by Jelly Roll. The night was filled with a lineup of outstanding performers, including Camila Cabello, Chappell Roan, GloRilla, Rauw Alejandro, Lenny Kravitz, and Sabrina Carpenter.
The night’s biggest winner was Taylor Swift, who took home the prestigious Video of the Year award for her collaboration with Post Malone on the song “Fortnight.” Swift continued her winning streak by also claiming the Artist of the Year and Best Pop categories, solidifying her status as one of the music industry’s most acclaimed artists.
Other winners of the night included Eminem, who won Best Hip-Hop for “Houdini,” and Sabrina Carpenter, who took home Song of the Year for “Espresso.” The Best New Artist award went to Chappell Roan, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning music career.
The competition for Best Collaboration was fierce, with Taylor Swift and Post Malone once again emerging victorious for their song “Fortnight.” In the Best R&B category, SZA claimed the top spot with her hit “Snooze,” while Lenny Kravitz won Best Rock for his powerful track “Human.”
In the international categories, Anitta won Best Latin for “Mil Veces,” Lisa secured the Best K-Pop award for “Rockstar,” and Tyla took home the Best Afrobeats award for “Water.” Billie Eilish was honored in the Video for Good category for her impactful video “What Was I Made For (From the Motion Picture ‘Barbie’).”
The VMAs also celebrated excellence in various technical categories. Taylor Swift received the Best Direction award for “Fortnight,” and Ariana Grande won Best Cinematography for “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love).” Eminem’s “Houdini” was recognized for its impressive visual effects, earning the Best Visual Effects award.
The awards night showcased the creativity and diversity of artists across genres, with many rising stars and established icons being recognized for their contributions to music and visual storytelling. The full list of winners is as follows:
Video of the Year: Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
Song of the Year: Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”
Best New Artist: Chappell Roan
Best Collaboration: Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
Best Pop: Taylor Swift
Best Hip-Hop: Eminem – “Houdini”
Best R&B: SZA – “Snooze”
Best Alternative: Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things”
Best Rock: Lenny Kravitz – “Human”
Best Latin: Anitta – “Mil Veces”
Best Afrobeats: Tyla – “Water”
Best K-Pop: Lisa – “Rockstar”
Video for Good: Billie Eilish – “What Was I Made For (From the Motion Picture ‘Barbie’)”
Best Direction: Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
Best Cinematography: Ariana Grande – “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)”
Best Editing: Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
Best Choreography: Dua Lipa – “Houdini”
Best Visual Effects: Eminem – “Houdini”
Best Art Direction: Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA”
The 2024 VMAs not only celebrated the talents of today’s music stars but also reflected the ongoing evolution of music videos as a powerful medium for artistic expression. From emotional ballads to high-energy hip-hop tracks, this year’s winners represent a wide range of styles and genres, showcasing the vibrant and dynamic nature of the global music scene. The night ended on a high note, with Taylor Swift’s multiple wins reinforcing her position as a leading force in contemporary music.