Memorable Highlights from the VMAs: Taylor shines and Sabrina Carpenter kisses an alien
NEW YORK — Aliens, flaming crossbows, and pythons? Just another night at the MTV Video Music Awards, celebrating its 40th edition.
The UBS Arena on Long Island was alive with performances from artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Lenny Kravitz during Wednesday’s VMAs, an event that was as much a concert as it was an award ceremony. The night blended nostalgic performances and nods to the VMAs’ vibrant past with exciting acts from today’s hottest Billboard artists.
Megan Thee Stallion adeptly balanced her roles as both host and performer for the event, which featured a massive stage and a 62-foot tall Moon Person looking over the crowd, its helmet acting as a screen.
Here are some of the standout moments from a night that may soon be remembered as a classic in the history of the VMAs.
An army of Slim Shadys and a jibe at host Megan Thee Stallion: Eminem’s VMA performance recap
“Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?”
Eminem kicked off the evening with a nostalgic vibe, sporting a blonde wig as he entered accompanied by a group of lookalikes dressed as his alter ego, Slim Shady. This moment was a throwback reminiscent of his 2000 performance in a similar style.
However, his performance of “Houdini” generated a bit of tension, as it included a line poking fun at VMAs host Megan Thee Stallion regarding a past incident where she was shot in the feet by Tory Lanez in 2020.
“If I were to ask Megan Thee Stallion for a collaboration, would I really have a chance at a feature?” he rapped, just before Megan took the stage herself.
Taylor Swift applauds boyfriend Travis Kelce, remembers Sept. 11 victims
Guess what? Taylor Swift had another fantastic night at an awards show.
The pop sensation snagged an impressive seven VMAs, including best collaboration and video of the year for “Fortnight,” and was named artist of the year for the second consecutive time. This achievement makes her the solo artist with the most VMAs ever, tallying up to 30 wins.
The crowd in the UBS Arena erupted in wild cheers as Swift expressed her gratitude to “my boyfriend Travis (Kelce),” although he was not present at the event, while accepting the video of the year award.
“Everything he touches turns to joy and magic,” she declared.
In a more serious moment, the “Tortured Poets Department” singer took the time to acknowledge the significance of the date, September 11. “I’ve been reflecting on the events from 23 years ago, and thinking of everyone who lost loved ones,” she shared. “That is the most crucial aspect of today.”
Flavor Flav gives Jordan Chiles a bronze clock
Flavor Flav is still the ultimate Olympics hype man.
On stage with gymnast Jordan Chiles, the rapper lamented, “They tried to take your medal away,” referencing the controversial decision to strip the 23-year-old of a bronze medal during the Paris Olympics. After the audience voiced their disapproval, Flavor Flav announced he had “something they can’t take from you,” presenting Jordan with a bronze clock medal around her neck.
Jordan expressed her disbelief, saying, “Wow, I don’t even know what to say. Thank you so much.”
Flavor Flav stayed true to his word, having promised Chiles on X in August he would “make you a BRONZE CLOCK NECKLACE,” a unique token that “NO ONE else has.”
Sabrina Carpenter performs an unforgettable alien-themed act
Sabrina Carpenter captivated the VMAs audience with a mesmerizing performance that was truly otherworldly — quite literally.
Later, Carpenter’s hit song “Espresso” won song of the year, marking her first-ever VMA victory.
“This is my first win for one of these,” Carpenter expressed, thanking her fans as well as her “cats and dogs at home watching,” adding humorously, “And a shoutout to that me espresso.”
Chappell Roan sends flames flying with a burning crossbow, dedicating award to ‘queer kids in the Midwest’
While Chappell Roan didn’t deliver “Hot to Go,” she certainly ignited the stage with her medieval-themed performance of “Good Luck, Babe.”
Dressed in full armor, Roan made a striking entrance by firing a crossbow at a castle backdrop, which erupted into flames, before she performed the song with a group of dancing, sword-fighting knights.
Overwhelmed with emotion after winning best new artist — four years after her previous record label dropped her — the “Red Wine Supernova” singer left her award on stage and decided to read her acceptance speech straight from her diary. She dedicated her win to drag performers and the queer and trans community.
Roan addressed the audience, saying, “To all the queer kids in the Midwest watching: I see you, I understand you because I’m one of you, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be exactly who you aspire to be,” reflecting her own roots from Missouri.
Katy Perry performs on her ‘first day of my period,’ encourages others to ‘touch grass’
Despite social media claims that Katy Perry might be experiencing a downturn, the crowd at the VMAs warmly welcomed her on stage.
Fans sang along to her classics like “I Kissed a Girl” before she was presented with the Video Vanguard award for lifetime achievement by her fiancé, Orlando Bloom. Taylor Swift, who had a past feud with Perry, was seen dancing along to Perry’s performance.
After her set, Perry joked, “Can you believe that was all on my first day of my period?”
Following critical feedback about her July single “Woman’s World,” she encouraged fellow artists to “ignore the noise,” sharing her own coping methods.
“Turn off social media,” Perry advised. “Protect your mental health. Take a break. Touch grass.”
Contributing: Cydney Henderson, Bryan West and Melissa Ruggieri
