Suffice it to say, the 2024 MTV VMAs had a lot to live up to on Wednesday night (Sept. 11). The celebration of the 40th anniversary of the former music video channel’s premier awards show awarded about two Moonpersons per hour during its 190-minute runtime, but you may not have noticed because the event also featured 16 star-studded performances paying tribute to the channel’s past, present and future.
Now, of course, it’s time to rewind and answer the most important question of all: Which performances did you enjoy the most?
Maybe you’re a traditionalist who loves the feel-good fare of MTV’s cult stars from the pre-YouTube era. In which case, perhaps the wig-wearing Eminem’s medley opening the show would have been your thing, or perhaps hip-hop legend LL Cool J’s tribute to Def Jam and his own four-decade career? If that’s your thing, the always shirtless Lenny Kravitz might end up at the top of your list, and surely Katy Perry’s dance-heavy visual extravaganza celebrating her biggest hits before being presented with the Video Vanguard Award is in there too.
Other sets to choose from include BLACKPINK member LISA’s solo songs “New Woman” and “Rockstar,” as well as three stage-stunning performances by Latin icons Karol G, Rauw Alejandro and Anitta, who wowed the crowd with dazzling choreography and Broadway flair. Speaking of sparkle, Benson Boone jumped off his piano in a glittery jumpsuit and did a backflip performance that turned heads.
Camilla Cabello smashed her laptop and got revenge on her ex during an intense “Godspeed,” while her former flame Shawn Mendes delivered a super moody slow-burn of 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 reinterpretation of “Good Luck, Babe!” or Sabrina Carpenter’s otherworldly medley of current hits, you might want to watch the tape for our rundown of all the performances.
Billboard has already made its picks for the best performances of the night, now it’s your turn. Which performance at the 2024 VMAs was your favorite? Vote below!
