The MTV VMAs threw a killer 40th anniversary party for the network's signature awards telecast on Wednesday night (September 11) during a three-hour extravaganza from UBS Arena in New York City that was light on on-screen awards being handed out , but heavy on elaborate performances from some of the former video channel's iconic stars to today's chart-topping pop icons.
Speaking of MTV royalty, Slim Shady himself was back in the building to open the show with a throwback nod to one of his most memorable VMA moments when Eminem took the stage in a blonde wig alongside a parade of Marshall Mathers who seem to pass. Houdini' and his collaboration with Jelly Roll, 'Somebody Save Me'.
The first half of the show also featured BLACKPINK's LISA making her solo debut at the VMAs for an energetic run through Rosalía's new collaboration “New Woman,” followed by her solo single “Rockstar” while Shawn Mendes debuted her with his new moody Jeff Buckley. ballad “Nobody Knows”. Colombian superstar Karol G delivered a delightful rendition of her single “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” (“If I Had Known You Before”) and Brazilian star Anitta turned the stage into a hot party with the premiere of “Paradise” with Fat Joe. and DJ Khaled, and later “Savage Funk” and “Alegría” with Tiago PZK.
Sabrina Carpenter took us to outer space for a Marilyn Monroe and Britney Spears mash-up of 'Please Please Please', 'Taste' and 'Espresso', Katy Perry blew minds with a dance mega-mix of her greatest hits before accept. Video Vanguard award winner and 2024's undisputed viral champion Chappell Roan gave us some serious Roan of Arc vibes during her medieval Gaga-goes-goes via breakthrough hit 'Good Luck, Babe!'
Host Megan Thee Stallion lit it up with a fiery medley of “BAS” and “Hiss” with a surprise appearance from Japanese rapper Yuki Chiba for “Mamushi,” Halsey rocked “Ego” in a suburban garage, Benson Boone rolled over. put on a blistering performance as she performed her breakthrough hit “Beautiful Things,” and rock icon Lenny Kravitz tore through “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” 2024 disco single “Human” and her remake of “Fly Away” 1998's Migos Quavo, “Fly.”
One of the most impressive set pieces came during the Broadway-style VMAs debut from Puerto Rican rapper Rauw Alejandro during “Touching the Sky,” who morphed into a Caribbean drummer on “Diluvio,” followed by his latest single, “Déjame Entrar.” The final hour of the show also featured a duet from Memphis rapper GloRilla on her Hot 100 hit “Yeah Glo!” and “TGIF” and Camila Cabello bid farewell to her ex with a medley of “June Gloom” and a rousing rendition of “Godspeed.”
The night came to a close with a career-changing medley from LL Cool J, who saluted Def Jam Records on its 40th anniversary with help from DJ Z-Trip and Public Enemy's Chuck D and Flavor Flav as he ran into “Headsprung”. PE's “Bring the Noise,” as well as his own “Mama Said Knock You Out,” “Rock the Bells,” “Around the Way Girl,” and “Goin' Back to Cali,” as well as his new singles ” Passion” and “Proclivities” before settling into “Doin' It,” a song he first performed during his final VMA set in 1996.
Check out all* of the evening's main stage performances below.
*At press time video of Halsey's performance was not available.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2024-mtv-vmas-performances-watch-all-1235773820/
