The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards took center stage at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on Wednesday, September 11. Hosted by Megan Thee Stallion, the ceremony celebrated its 40th anniversary with a series of performances that were both inventive and impressive.
This year’s VMAs marked four decades since the inaugural show at Radio City Music Hall on September 14, 1984. Cyndi Lauper, a prominent winner from that first show, made a return to introduce a performance by 2024’s breakout star Sabrina Carpenter. The event also featured a nostalgic look back at memorable moments from previous VMAs, blending old and new in a celebration of the show’s rich history.
Bruce Gillmer, one of the executive producers alongside Jesse Ignjatovic, hinted at the show’s nostalgic elements before the broadcast. “We’re going to be revisiting some of the show’s most iconic moments that made the VMAs the pop culture beast it is today,” Gillmer told Billboard. “It’s a homecoming of sorts, so we’ll celebrate turning 40 by flashing back to moments on stage and screen.”
In a historic turn of events, Taylor Swift tied Beyoncé as the top VMA winner of all time. Swift, who recently supported Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, was present to accept two awards and pay tribute to the victims of 9/11 on its anniversary.
While awards and speeches are part of the VMAs, the true heart of the show lies in its musical performances. From Katy Perry’s Video Vanguard Award medley to LL COOL J’s salute to Def Jam, and sets from emerging stars like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter, the VMAs delivered memorable moments. Here’s a ranked list of the performances from the 2024 VMAs, with abbreviated and pre-show performances excluded from this ranking.
1. Katy Perry’s Video Vanguard Medley
Katy Perry’s medley was a standout performance of the night. Her set, honoring her Video Vanguard Award, showcased a dynamic mix of her greatest hits. The performance was a perfect blend of high-energy choreography, captivating visuals, and Perry’s charismatic stage presence, making it a clear highlight of the evening.
2. LL COOL J’s Def Jam 40th Anniversary Tribute
LL COOL J delivered a powerful tribute to Def Jam’s 40th anniversary. His performance was a nostalgic journey through the label’s influential history, featuring classic tracks and energetic visuals. LL COOL J’s ability to honor the past while bringing fresh energy to the stage made this performance unforgettable.
3. Chappell Roan’s Rising Star Performance
Chappell Roan made a strong impression with a performance that showcased their unique style and vocal prowess. Roan’s set was a testament to their rising star power, with an engaging stage presence and a performance that left a lasting impact on the audience.
4. Sabrina Carpenter’s Breakthrough Performance
Sabrina Carpenter’s performance was a key moment of the night, marking her as a breakout artist. The set was energetic and well-executed, highlighting Carpenter’s growth as an artist and her ability to captivate the audience with her stage presence.
5. BLACKPINK’s Lisa Solo Turn
While Lisa’s solo performance was highly anticipated, it didn’t quite live up to the hype. The performance of “New Woman” lacked the extra flair that could have elevated it. Although the choreography was solid, it didn’t stand out as much as previous BLACKPINK performances, making it a bit of a letdown.
6. Jessie Murph and Teddy Swims (Abbreviated Performances)
Jessie Murph and Teddy Swims delivered solid but abbreviated performances. Due to their shorter sets, they didn’t have the same impact as the main acts. Their contributions were noteworthy but didn’t quite make the top of the ranking.
Overall, the 2024 VMAs celebrated its milestone with a mix of memorable performances and nostalgic moments, reaffirming its status as a major cultural event.
