New York – The 2024 VMAs delivered an unforgettable night with iconic performances, edgy red carpet looks, and jaw-dropping moments celebrating the hottest in music. Let’s take a closer look at the major highlights of the awards—from the red carpet and main show to the biggest winners!
VMAs Pre-Show and Red Carpet
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The VMAs 2024 pre-show buzzed with energy, featuring top-tier performances and dazzling red carpet looks. Powerhouse women who stole the spotlight and stopped by to chat, include Megan Thee Stallion, who hosted the event and celebrated her evolution from performer to host. She was also surprised on the spot with the “Trending Video” award, setting an exciting tone for the night. Latin sensation Karol G, nominated for multiple awards, thanked her fans for the success of her hit, Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido, which she later performed. When asked about her fiery, flame-themed dress, she proudly stated, “The Latino community is fire!”
K-pop fans were in for a treat with LE SSERAFIM’s medley performance, including the catchy hit 1-800-HOT-N-FUN. LISA, a four-time nominee, stunned in a Mugler corset dress and teased her performance’s fiery themes. She also reflected on filming the Rockstar video in her hometown of Bangkok and her collaboration with Rosalía.
Hip-hop and Brazil collided in a historic collaboration between Fat Joe, DJ Khaled, and Anitta. Fat Joe and DJ Khaled expressed pride in their latest track, Feels Like Paradise, which highlights Brazilian culture. Anitta, dressed in a wedding-inspired outfit, promised surprises during their performance.
French Montana described the night as a “family reunion” while announcing his upcoming Paramount+ documentary, focusing on his journey from Africa, emphasizing themes of faith and perseverance. LL Cool J reflected on his monumental career and collaboration with Eminem, recalling his first VMA win as a personal highlight, being one of the first rappers ever to take home a Moon Person.
Naomi Scott, actress, producer, and singer, shared how early 2010s pop inspired her upcoming horror movie Smile 2, where she plays a pop star in danger. Meanwhile, Halsey teased her live debut of latest single Ego, wearing a vintage Gianni Versace leopard-print red gown.
First-time performers Chappell Roan, nominated for “Best New Artist,” couldn’t contain her excitement about performing in front of her idols. Benson Boone, snagged the Best Alternative Award, and three-time nominee Rauw Alejandro was ready to bring the house down. Rauw expressed pride in representing Puerto Rican culture and his admiration for legend Lenny Kravitz, who went on to win “Best Rock.” Kravitz dedicated his award to his mother and announced his upcoming Las Vegas residency.
Katy Perry, fresh off motherhood, talked about this new chapter in her life and gave a shoutout to her daughter Daisy before being surprised with the “Most Iconic Performance” award for her unforgettable 2013 Roar. Camila Cabello also returned, teasing a performance of her own. Other stars who graced the red carpet included Tyla, Tinashe, Tate McRae, Addison Rae, and Olympian Jordan Chiles, who wowed with their fashion-forward looks. For all the glam recap and more style inspo, check out all the looks of the night here.
The Epic Main Show
At The Ball Out we had already revealed to you the official roster of performers, yet we weren’t ready for what was coming. The night kicked off with an electrifying performance by Eminem, who debuted his comeback single Houdini while leading a mob of blonde doppelgängers and recreating his Slim Shady 2000 MTV VMA performance. He was later joined by Jelly Roll on screen to sing Somebody Save Me.
Host Megan Thee Stallion, in a bold Olympic-inspired bejeweled swimsuit, officially welcomed the audience. Following the sporty mood, Olympic team water polo sponsor Flava and Jordan Chiles presented the Best Collaboration Award to Taylor Swift and Post Malone for their song Fortnite. Their heartfelt acceptance speeches honored the victims of 9/11, with Swift praising Post Malone’s versatility and creativity, and Malone highlighting Taylor’s kindness and hard work.
Karol G lit up the stage with her summer anthem Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido, transforming the platform into a Latin tropical beach bar. She brought infectious energy as she danced merengue with Taylor Swift and Camila Cabello in a show-stealing, culture trail-blazing moment.
Paris Hilton introduced LISA, who delivered a show-stopping medley performance, complete with jaw-dropping choreography and pyrotechnics. Meanwhile, Shawn Mendes took a softer approach, performing an intimate acoustic set on a hazy stage surrounded by candles.
The surprises continued with Sabrina Carpenter’s otherworldly medley, performing songs from her latest album including Espresso, and Taste —where she shares a kiss with actress Jenna Ortega in the music video. Mirroring this, and in a visually striking performance featuring dancing astronauts and neon signs, the singer kissed a girl alien.
Anitta later took the stage with Fat Joe and DJ Khaled, performing their new hot collab single, followed by a surprise appearance from Peso Pluma. The Brazilian funk beat had the entire audience dancing, and the night wouldn’t have been complete without Anitta’s signature twerk.
The show continued with Orlando Bloom presenting the Video Vanguard award to his partner, Katy Perry. Floating and flying through the scenario, the superstar took the audience on a futuristic-yet-nostalgic ride through her greatest hits, including Dark Horse, California Gurls, I Kissed a Girl, Teenage Dream, among other unforgettable anthems. Perry received a standing ovation from the crowd as Bloom joined her on stage for a celebratory kiss.
The first-time performers were highly anticipated as well: Chappell Roan’s medieval-themed performance of Good Luck Babe, topped with dancing knights and a castle burning in flames; Benson Boone also had a standout moment with his pitch-perfect rendition of Beautiful Things in a glitter onesie, including a signature backflip from the piano—a trick that made him viral on social media. Rauw Alejandro stole the show with his dance moves, bringing Puerto Rican traditional dancers and percussion to hype up the stage. The stage then transformed into the rooftop of an old theater reading “Teatro Cosa Nuestra”—quoting Rauw’s new album title—and the performance ended with some spicy salsa dancing. Sabrina was enjoying the show.
It seems like blonde season is over for superstar Camila Cabello, who, back with her signature brunette bangs, delivered a dramatic performance of June Gloom and Godspeed from a glass cage that was later shattered by masked dancers with bats. Halsey threw us back with the powerful sound of her latest single Ego with an all-female rock band, arriving on stage on a bicycle, and performing from the garage of a house.
Host Megan Thee Stallion’s fierce medley hyped up the crowd, bringing Japanese rapper Yuki on stage for a special collaboration. Legend LL Cool J delivered an epic medley, joined by various artists and a stomp band in a New York-inspired setting. Rapper GloRilla performed her viral song Yeah, Glo! hyping up the crowd until a minor wardrobe malfunction scared the first-time performer by the end of her show. Good thing dancers are always on the move to help our favorite stars!
Rockstar Lenny Kravitz returned to the VMAs stage, performing a mix of timeless hits like Human, Are You Gonna Go My Way and newer songs, joined by rapper Quavo for Fly.
The Extended Play Stage also saw incredible shows, top-notch vocals, and chart-topping hits such as Lose Control and Wild Ones from artists Teddy Swims and Jessie Murph—performances you definitely can’t miss.
The night culminated with Taylor Swift and Post Malone winning Video of the Year for Fortnite, a music video Swift herself directed. The pair, joined by part of her audiovisual crew, shared touching memories of the filming process and Swift thanked boyfriend Travis for his unconditional support, as Megan Thee Stallion bid farewell to the audience after a truly unforgettable night.
2024 VMAs Winners
Taylor Swift stole the spotlight at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, dominating the night with seven wins, including Video of the Year for Fortnite featuring Post Malone. Eminem followed with eight nominations, while Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Megan Thee Stallion each had seven, and SZA had six. Beyoncé was also in the mix, with three nominations including Song of the Year for Texas Hold ‘Em.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso snagged the Moon Person for Song of the Year, while Chappell Roan was celebrated as Best New Artist. Post Malone, who earned 11 nominations—including two in the Best Collaboration category for his work on Tortured Poets Department and I Had Some Help with Morgan Wallen—was also among the notable winners. Lenny Kravitz, LISA, and Tyla also took home awards. Taylor Swift led the nominations going into the show with 12 nods, with fans casting their votes for the winners. Katy Perry was honored with this year’s non-competitive Video Vanguard Award, celebrating her impactful career. Check out the full list of nominees and winners here.
What were some of the best, worst and weirdest moments of the night? The party continues in our social media @theballout, so don’t forget to follow us and tell us all about your favorite looks and performances!
