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For a while, some extremely connected millennials and zoomers used the term “industrial plant” to describe virtually any artist who was on the rise. Chappell Roan received some criticism after The rise and fall of a Midwestern princess became a juggernaut half a year after its release. Sabrina Carpenter was labeled a plant when her sixth album—her sixth!—propelled her to stardom. If the industry was tipping the scales in favor of these artists, it sure took its time.
Both shined at the MTV Video Music Awards, with Carpenter's otherworldly spectacle and Roan's Joan of Arc outfit looking almost divinely inspired. But the VMAs also showed us what it's like when the music industry goes out of its way to push a star who doesn't deserve it. In this case, the mediocrity in question is Katy Perry.
Perry has had a troubled rollout of her comeback album, between the awful songs, the awkward appearance of Dr. Luke, and the accusations of desecrating natural wonders. It’s never nice to say, “Maybe the VMAs will help her career,” but Perry surely hopes the VMAs will help her career. And she was honored at the 2024 ceremony with two ill-timed awards: a Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, MTV’s version of a lifetime achievement honor, and the VMAs’ Most Iconic Performance award, which was a dud.
In the Iconic Performance category, Perry won for her sleepy rendition of “Roar” in 2013. It has some nice sets and costumes, but it wasn’t a particularly energetic performance, even by Perry’s mellow standards. Her win came despite the fact that she was in a category stacked with rivals: Lady Gaga in 2009, Eminem in 2000, a young Taylor Swift, and not one, but two Madonna performances: 1984 and the epic kiss with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera in 2003.
MTV awarded the worst performance in the category, and I doubt anyone but the most die-hard Perry fan would disagree. They may have done so because Perry was the only nominee willing to perform last night, or because her record label made some promises or threats, or because the only person they let vote was Orlando Bloom. But it wasn't on merit.
Of all the injustices in the world, an award falling into the wrong person's hands is pretty minor. But the next time you hear someone say “industrial plant,” remember the 2024 VMAs (or don't, I'm not the police). Because the most powerful people in music really do support certain artists. If they can't make their next song better, they can at least make the VMAs a little bit worse.
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