With 16 power-packed sets from some of the biggest artists on the planet, Wednesday’s 40th anniversary show had it all.
Suffice it to say that Wednesday night’s (Sept. 11) 2024 MTV VMAs was a lot. The 40th anniversary celebration of the former music video channel’s signature awards ceremony handed out around two Moonpersons per hour during its 190-minute run time, but you might have not noticed since it also packed in 16 star-studded performances that paid homage to the network’s past, present and future.
So, of course, now it’s time to rewind and answer the most important question of all: which performances were your favorite?
Perhaps you’re a traditionalist who loves the comfort food of MTV’s iconic stars of the pre-YouTube era, in which case the show-opening medley from a wig-wearing Eminem might have been your thing, or perhaps hip-hop legend LL Cool J’s homage to Def Jam and his own four-decade career? If that’s your vibe, always-shirtless Lenny Kravitz may end up at the top of your list, and surely Katy Perry’s dance-heavy visual extravaganza celebrating her biggest hits before the bestowing of her Video Vanguard award is in the mix.
Among the other sets to choose from are BLACKPINK member LISA’s run through her solo songs “New Woman” and “Rockstar” and a trio of stage-burning performances from Latin icons Karol G, Rauw Alejandro and Anitta, which brought killer choreography and some Broadway dazzle to the proceedings. Speaking of razzle, Benson Boone rocked a glittery jumpsuit while jumping off his piano for a backflipping set that drew gasps.
Camilla Cabello smashed her laptop and got some ex-revenge during an intense “Godspeed,” while former flame Shawn Mendes did a super moody slow burn with his new song “Nobody Knows.” Host Megan Thee Stallion proved she’s a true double-threat with a high-energy medley, and if you didn’t rewind Chappell Roan’s Gaga-esque medieval masterpiece re-imagining of “Good Luck, Babe!” or Sabrina Carpenter’s out-of-this-world medley of recent hits, well maybe you need to check the tape for our rundown of all the performances.
Billboard already made its picks for the night’s best performances, so now it’s your turn. Which 2024 VMAs performance was your favorite? Vote below!
