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Cementing a Pop Culture Legacy – A Full Look at the 2024 VMAs

Let’s take a look at the 2024 MTV VMAs!

Via Curtis, Staff Writer

November 26, 2024

It’s that time of year again–leaves are falling, and so are moonmen.

September marks just the beginning of an infamously drawn-out and exhaustive award season, and the MTV Video Music Awards are among the first to take the stage. Sure, the Grammys and the AMA’s (American Music Awards) are on the horizon, but nothing rivals the cultural relevance or impact that the VMAs reliably deliver. Year after year, MTV has consistently set the bar for unforgettable pop culture moments, and its 2024 ceremony was no exception.

Truly–without the VMA’s we’d be in a pop culture drought. The legacy speaks for itself–Nicki Minaj’s live callout of Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga’s meat dress, Beyonce’s pregnancy reveal, Kanye’s notorious “I’ma let you finish” speech, and Britney’s iconic “I’m a Slave 4 U” performance. It’s a highlight reel of bold, often controversial, and culturally transformative moments. The 2024 ceremony had big shoes to fill, and it certainly brought the energy and status to match.

The 40th annual VMAS opened with a bang–literally, courtesy of Eminem. Tied with Peter Gabriel for the most VMA wins by a male solo artist, Eminem returned to the stage with a self-referential rendition of his 2000 VMAs performance, accompanied with a lineup of bleach blond Eminem clones. Starting with his latest hit, “Houdini” Eminem set a high bar for the rest of the night.

Eminem wasn’t the only artist paying homage to VMAs iconic history. Host Megan Thee Stallion turned heads in an ensemble reminiscent of Britney’s iconic 2001 “Slave 4 U” look, while fellow rapper GloRilla sported an edgy throwback to the late Left Eye’s 1999 VMAs look.

Chappell Roan, a recent breakout star, made her MTV debut not only with her first appearance, but also with a show-stopping performance that captivated the audience. She opened with a medieval themed rendition of “Good Luck, Babe”, which she also referenced during her “Best New Artist” acceptance speech. As the camera panned across the crowd, fans looked transfixed–some teary eyed–as Roan credited and thanked the LGBTQ+ community for embracing her, especially given her struggles as a queer woman in the Midwest. “And for all the queer kids in the Midwest watching right now,” she said, “I see you. I understand you, because I’m one of you. And don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t be exactly who you want to be, b—-!”

However, Roan’s night wasn’t without controversy. After receiving backlash for canceling shows to attend the VMAs, she found herself in deeper water with a now-viral altercation with a photographer who was allegedly seen yelling at Roan, as well as her publicist. In response to the abuse, Roan clapped back, asserting, “YOU shut the f*** up. Don’t! Not me, b****.” Fans, however, quickly defended her stance, encouraging her resistance to normalized paparazzi exploitation.

Tyla, another emerging talent, also used the spotlight to make a powerful stance. After winning her first moonman, she addressed the wrongful tendency to lump all African artists under the lazy “Afrobeats” category. “African music is so diverse. It’s more than just Afrobeats. I come from South Africa. I represent Amapiano. I represent my culture.” Although her speech received overall mixed reactions, her boldness in challenging these stereotypes resonated with fans and critics alike.

In a fitting moment of recognition, Katy Perry took home multiple moonmen, one for VMA’s Most Iconic Performance for her hit, “Roar”, and another for the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, a selective crowning for those who truly secure themselves a legacy in the industry. She celebrated with a medley that bridged her early 2000’s classics and new songs from her most recent (and controversial) album, “143”.

Overall, this year’s VMAs not only celebrated its 40th anniversary in typical MTV style, but also cemented its reputation as a night of career-defining performances, and pop culture innovation. Taylor Swift, the undisputed star of the evening, took home seven of the twelve categories she was nominated for, adding to her 23 previous wins. First-time VMA winners like Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyla, and LISA added fresh excitement and charm to the ceremony.

As fans bask in the afterglow of this year’s VMAs, we’re left to wonder how the 2025 awards season will top a night like this. Until then, we’ll be counting down the days until the next set of moonmen find their homes!

Full List of Winners:

Video of the Year: “Fortnight” – Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone

Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift

Song of the Year: “Espresso” – Sabrina Carpenter

Best New Artist: Chappell Roan

PUSH Performance of the Year: “Easy” – LE SSERAFIM

Best Collaboration: “Fortnight” – Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone

Best Pop: Taylor Swift

Best Hip-Hop: “Houdini” – Eminem

Best R&B: “Snooze” – SZA

Best Alternative: “Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone

Best Rock: “Human” – Lenny Kravitz