The VMAs are known as 'the fun one' of the award circuit. The VMAs are where the drama happens: it's when Birtney and Madonna kissed on camera, when Britney brought a python on stage, when Lady Gaga wore a meat dress, Miley twerked with Robin Thicke, and of course, Kanye interrupted Taylor.
In an industry that is explicitly looking for our attention, what's better than a juicy controversy? However, there is not much to report on from this year's VMAs. Granted, Lizzo performed in front of a giant butt, but if you've seen Instagram you know the lingua-franca of 2019 is expressed by showcasing one's butt-cheeks.
It's like all of the biggest pop stars in the world were like 'current politics are providing all the controversy we need right now' and they've become the voice of reason. Joe Jonas and his new wife Sophie Turner stood up in support for Taylor Swift's win (his ex), Missy the-most-deserved-artist-to-win Elliot took home the big award of the day presented by Cardi B, the Vanguard award which she accepted with grace and humility, and the performances were all just great.
And finally, in a meta-easter-egg-reference-way that only Taylor Swift can pull off – somebody else was talking in her allocated award speech slot, but this time no one took her mic away but she let her co-producer of You Need To Calm Down, Todrick Hall, accept the award on her behalf to raise awareness for equality whilst being surrounded by the drag queens starring in the video.
Ugh. How wholesome and full circle. So while the VMAs were perhaps not so good for controversy, it became a true celebration of the music. The live performances stole the show, and so here are our favourite ones.
Taylor Swift is finally participating in award shows again with her new era, Lover. She opened the show with two songs, You Need to Calm Down, winner of Video of the Year award and the title track of her new album.
Lil Nas X took home Song of the Year award for Old Town Road, and then chose to perform Panini. It's a choice, but the kid is good live.
Heck of a performance by Queen Latifah, Redman, Fetty Wap, Naughty By Nature and Wyclef Jean who are all from New Jersey, where the VMAs were hosted for the first time this year (they're normally at New York's Radio City Music Hall). We are living for the 90s references.
If you are missing joy in your life, do not be surprised if your doctor prescribes the watching of this performance to perk you up. The crowd is like hop-dancing screaming their head's off in excitement.
J. Balvin & Bad Bunny perform in an animated celebration of Latino culture. Try not to move or head-bop as you watch.
They are both so young and talented and beautiful and then they found each other and it's so pure we just can't even stand it. They've also mastered the true art of leaving us all wanting more, perfectly summed up by one Joe Jonas "we’re still waiting for that kiss tho 👀".
And Camila Cabello is not the only Fifth Harmony alumn making waves. Normani gets the crowd moving with an excellently choreographed number for Motivation.
And finally, the evening's winner of Michael Jackson's Vanguard Award perfectly demonstrates why in this performance. She dedicates her award to dance communities all around, and gets the whole crowd bopping along with her stunning visuals and sickening dance moves that include an alien abduction. Literally.
Sometimes these award shows get a little monotonous and boring, and even though the controversy was lacking we are smitten by the joy of all the performers, the spark in which artists today are standing up for what they believe in, the heartfelt speeches of empowerment, and the sheer fun.
What a beautiful way to celebrate music and live music (and music videos, I guess).
