Unfiltered Reviews of Every Performer at the VMAs, Featuring Chappell Roan and Katy Perry
The MTV VMAs have reached a milestone age, but that did not stop the event from showcasing captivating performances.
The 40th edition, held on Wednesday, highlighted why pop sensation Chappell Roan was eager to adjust her tour to perform at the UBS Arena in New York, as well as the enduring appeal for legends like Eminem, LL Cool J, and Katy Perry.
The evening was all about extravagant performances rather than concentrating on who won one of the coveted Moon Person awards.
The dazzling setup featured a towering 62-foot inflatable Moon Person, which served as a fun prop for host Megan Thee Stallion, although she made limited appearances during the three-hour event. Fans were treated to performances by pop stars including Sabrina Carpenter, Camila Cabello, Halsey, Blackpink’s Lisa, and the recently returned Shawn Mendes.
Below, we rank all the performances from best to least impressive.
1. Chappell Roan, ‘Good Luck, Babe’
Chappell Roan’s choice of a dark medieval theme was apt, as her sound evokes a lighter version of Kate Bush, who is known for her gothic aesthetics.
After dramatically igniting a castle backdrop with a flaming crossbow (just roll with it), Chappell Roan, dressed in faux armor with her red hair braided, delivered what could be considered the best song of the year.
The performance was both grand and nuanced, with her sword movements harmonizing with lyrics about an “explicit kind of love affair,” which showcased her powerful singing.
The energy in her voice on the final line, “I hate to say, I told you so,” hinted at a long career ahead for “Good Luck, Babe.” Here’s hoping!
2. Eminem, ‘Houdini,’ ‘Somebody Save Me’
A massive “E” lit up the arena sky like Eminem’s personal Bat-Signal, ushering him into the venue alongside look-alikes during his performance of “Houdini,” which samples Steve Miller.
His outrageous blond wig appeared more like a fur coat than hair, yet it didn’t dampen Eminem’s excitement as he moved about the stage with his impersonators, concluding the song alongside an alternative version of himself.
He then transitioned into a heartfelt performance of “Somebody Save Me,” a poignant track from his 12th album, “The Death of Slim Shady.”
This touching song reflects Eminem’s struggles as a father, with Jelly Roll’s “Save Me” chorus joining in spirit, as he only appeared via video for the hook. Stripped of his wig, Eminem committed fully to the poignant lyrics, finishing his performance with a contemplative look while sitting in a distressed armchair, watching old videos of his children and seemingly reflecting on his legacy at the VMAs.
3. Benson Boone, ‘Beautiful Things’
Staying true to his roots, Benson Boone took to the piano wearing a dazzling blue sequined jumpsuit that contrasted sharply with the traditional feel of the song, enhancing its charm.
His voice was strong and his emotions palpable; Boone commanded attention with his singing alone. However, after executing an impressive flip off a staging area, his crew promptly started checking his insurance coverage.
The dynamic rhythm of Boone’s chart-topping hit worked perfectly on the awards show stage. Climbing onto a piano with pyrotechnics all around, he pulled off another backflip that would have wowed even Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, who was watching from the audience. Yet, it was the soaring note he hit at the end that truly captivated us.
4. Lenny Kravitz featuring Quavo, ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way,’ ‘Human,’ ‘Fly’
Despite possibly being old enough to be a grandparent to many in the audience, Lenny Kravitz made a striking entrance, illuminated by bright lights, guitar in hand, and a flamboyant feather boa draped over his bare torso—no one was concerned about his age.
Kicking things off with the heartfelt “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” Kravitz followed up by delivering the smooth and uplifting “Human,” one of his most relatable tracks in recent years, praised for its hopeful vibe.
He concluded with his song “Fly,” featuring the talented Quavo from Migos, who added his skills to create a perfect musical collaboration that Kravitz enjoys.
5. Katy Perry, career-spanning medley
Katy Perry, this year’s Video Vanguard honoree, received a special introduction from a movie star—an uncommon privilege for award recipients.
Perry’s partner, Orlando Bloom, affectionately shared how he fell in love not with the pop icon but with Katheryn Hudson from California. This led to Perry being hoisted aloft, descending like a superhero to perform “Dark Horse,” one of the many hits reimagined in her electrifying 10-minute medley.
With synthesizer sounds building the intro for “E.T.,” Perry, dressed in a fierce ensemble reminiscent of “Mad Max,” moved amid a line of muscular dancers and later joined rapper Doechii for an engaging performance of the new song “I’m His, He’s Mine.”
The vibe soon shifted to a mirrorball celebration as Perry—adorned in a beige breastplate and knee-high boots—immersed herself in the joyful “California Gurls.” Bloom observed from the crowd, displaying both admiration and confusion, as the energetic rhythm seamlessly transitioned into “Teenage Dream,” her most cherished hit featuring an unforgettable chorus.
The catchy guitar riff that opened Perry’s famous 2008 hit was quickly overshadowed by her striking inflatable wings, a surprising sight that momentarily stole attention from the performance. However, it was short-lived, as the energetic rock version of the song was so appealing that it deserves a re-release; she certainly has nothing to lose.
6. Shawn Mendes, ‘Nobody Knows’
As he gears up for his return, Shawn Mendes debuted “Nobody Knows” live, taking a bold step following a flashy pop performance (Lisa) with his stripped-down acoustic track.
Surrounded by decorative rugs and illuminated candles on a dimly lit stage, Mendes, buttoning his shirt casually, delivered the soulful song. Without any flashy effects, the ballad grew into a powerful roots-rock anthem, showcasing Mendes’s remarkable vocal range as he went from a strong wail to a soft whisper.
The tender hug he shared with his bandmates at the end was undeniably the sweetest moment of the evening.
7. Sabrina Carpenter, ‘Please Please Please,’ ‘Taste,’ ‘Espresso’
Sabrina Carpenter lit up the stage as she swung down from the rafters, channeling a whimsical Glinda-the-Good-Witch vibe while singing “Please Please Please.”
However, fitting three songs into her performance didn’t come without challenges. She quickly transitioned to “Taste,” during which she was accompanied by an astronaut and an alien who engaged playfully with each other. While the space theme may have been a nod to the classic MTV Moon Person, it didn’t quite resonate.
As more astronauts joined her on the catwalk, she showcased her bold red lip tattoo on her inner thigh. Carpenter flipped her luscious hair with a playful spirit while performing her catchy hit “Espresso.”
8. Halsey, ‘Ego’
Halsey struck a rock star pose as she entered a garage adorned with posters of herself, ready to jam with a garage band. She grabbed a guitar and dove into her energizing pop-rock track, “Ego.”
This latest single from Halsey’s upcoming album, “The Great Impersonator,” due out on October 25, carries a sound that Avril Lavigne would surely admire. Halsey’s voice remains sweet yet has enough grit to match the powerful tempo of the song.
9. Camila Cabello, ‘Godspeed’
Encased in a transparent cage, surrounded by dark figures wielding props, Cabello showcased her vocal prowess on a poignant ballad exploring self-discovery.
She displayed signs of growth, both personally and artistically, as illustrated by her symbolic destruction of a laptop showing clips of her earlier performances. Lines like “I wish you well, but far away from me” hinted at her desire to move on, possibly making things awkward if her ex, Shawn Mendes, was nearby.
10. Karol G, ‘Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido’
Speaking to the audience in Spanish, Colombian star Karol G moved gracefully across the stage, performing “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” which means “If I Had Met You Before.”
Transforming the stage into a vibrant scene, she mingled with the crowd as she performed on a set that included a bar and scenic beach visuals. She even made playful moments with Taylor Swift and Camila Cabello, who joined in the fun.
While the song itself might not stand out, Karol G’s charisma, crowd engagement, and energetic dancers helped compensate for its lack of memorability.
11. LL Cool J, Flavor Flav and Chuck D, ‘Headsprung,’ ‘The G.O.A.T,’ ‘Bring the Noise,’ ‘Going Back to Cali,’ ‘Proclivities’
The VMAs celebrated the 40th anniversary of Def Jam Records, highlighting LL Cool J, who released the label’s debut album.
He kicked off with “Headsprung,” rapping lines like “They call me Big L’why, Big Silly, Big Money, Big Billy,” while moving through an audience displaying signs representing “The G.O.A.T.” Then, he was joined on stage by Public Enemy for a brief rendition of “Bring the Noise.”
The performance was enhanced by a New York-themed backdrop with subway signs and street props, adding an authentic vibe, particularly with a DJ on a turntable instead of a laptop during “Going Back to Cali.”
Although LL overused the typical “put your hands to the sky” during “Proclivities,” and Public Enemy’s appearance felt underutilized, the main issue was the awkward timing of their performance.
With the night’s top award, Video of the Year, still ahead – Congratulations to Taylor Swift – the hip-hop tribute felt more forced than celebrated.
12. Lisa, ‘New Woman,’ ‘Rockstar’
Lisa, a member of Blackpink, made her debut as a solo artist at the VMAs sporting a striking red fringe top and a mini skirt. She balanced on a chair together with her six female dancers while performing “New Woman.” With confidence, she strutted up to a raised platform on a moving catwalk, delivering a semi-vocal performance of the catchy pop track.
Her transition into “Rockstar” received an enthusiastic response.
Now front and center, Lisa, accompanied by her male dancers, showcased intricate choreography against the backdrop of a star surrounded by flames (perhaps a metaphor we didn’t catch?). Amidst the chaos of pyrotechnics and air guitar antics, her slender figure somewhat blended in with the ensemble, climaxing in Lisa striking the iconic rock ‘n’ roll devil horns that resonate across generations.
13. Rauw Alejandro, ‘Touching The Sky,’ ‘DILUVIO,’ ‘Dejame Entrar’
The Puerto Rican singer-rapper embraced a stylish and alluring aesthetic, starting off in “Smooth Criminal” attire during “Touching the Sky” before revealing his toned arms and hip movements in “Dejame Entrar.”
The main stage design resembled a theater rooftop, providing Rauw Alejandro ample space to showcase his impressive footwork. As he performed, he squeezed his eyes shut and patted his chest, signaling the seriousness of his lyrics.
14. GloRilla, ‘Yeah Glo!’ ‘TGIF’
Hailing from Memphis, the hip-hop star gave a concealed impression during “Yeah Glo!” but quickly changed into a black-and-silver striped bikini for “TGIF.”
She and her similarly dressed dancers rocked out across a lengthy desk set against cubicles, presenting a scene that could entice many to head back to work.
15. Megan Thee Stallion featuring Yuki Chiba, medley
Megan Thee Stallion, the glamorous but seldom-seen host of the evening, energized the crowd with a medley featuring “BOA” and “B.A.S.,” all while bouncing in her bright yellow outfit that offered minimal coverage but showcased her moves and playful rap excerpts.
As she mingled with the audience during “Hiss,” she welcomed Japanese rapper Yuki Chiba to join her for his hit track, “Mamushi.” Chiba’s unique style left Megan to showcase her dance moves on her side of the stage.
16. Anitta with DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Tiago PZK, ‘Paradise,’ ‘Alegria,’ ‘Savage Funk’
Making her return to the VMA stage after an electric performance the previous year, Brazilian sensation Anitta brought along the often-overbearing DJ Khaled and versatile Fat Joe for their track “Paradise.”
One might argue that Anitta and her crew could have handled the act without Khaled’s constant exhortations of “Put your hands up!” Nevertheless, she managed to vibe effectively with Fat Joe, alternating between singing and his rap segments over a catchy beat.
During “Alegria,” Anitta switched Khaled and Joe out for Tiago PZK, moving through red-lit stages while showcasing her dancing skills.
The captivating visuals likely diverted attention from the fact that Anitta’s vocals trailed off just seconds before she struck her final pose. Oops!
