Here's How Taylor Swift Made History At The MTV VMAs With Record-Breaking Wins
Taylor Swift has made history at the MTV Video Music Awards, securing seven wins and becoming the most awarded solo artist in VMA history. She clinched the night's top honour, video of the year.
Swift, who began the evening as the most nominated artist, surpassed Beyoncé's record for solo artists by winning her 30th VMA. Beyoncé has 25 solo VMAs, plus four more with Destiny's Child and Jay-Z.
Accepting her first award for best collaboration with Post Malone for their duet Fortnight, Swift acknowledged the significance of September 11th. "Waking up this morning in New York on September 11th, I've just been thinking about what happened 23 years ago," she said. "Everyone who lost a loved one and everyone that we lost and that is the most important thing today."
The ceremony took place at Long Island's UBS Arena, hosted by Megan Thee Stallion. She honoured past VMAs moments and performed songs Boa, Hiss, and Mamushi with Japanese rapper Yuki Chiba.
Women Dominate VMAs
The night saw women taking centre stage, with Sabrina Carpenter performing Please Please Please from a glittery swing and winning song of the year for Espresso. "This is really special," Carpenter said while accepting her first VMA. "I just feel so grateful to have truly the best fans in the world."
Lisa from Blackpink won best K-pop for her solo song Rockstar, while Brazilian artist Anitta took home best Latin for Mil Veces. South African artist Tyla won best Afrobeats with Water. "The global impact that Water had on the world just proves that African music can be pop music, too," Tyla remarked.
Katy Perry Honoured
Katy Perry received the Video Vanguard Award for lifetime achievement. Her husband Orlando Bloom introduced her before she performed a medley of hits including Dark Horse and Firework. Perry thanked her family and fans: "There are so many things that have to align to have a long and successful career as an artist."
Rising star Chappell Roan won best new artist, dedicating her win to drag artists and queer communities. Reading from her diary onstage, she said: "And to all the queer kids in the midwest watching right now, I see you and I understand you."
Performances and Highlights
Benson Boone made his awards show debut with Please Stay, while Shawn Mendes returned from hiatus with Nobody Knows. Lenny Kravitz delivered a rock star performance with a three-song medley.
Veterans LL Cool J and Public Enemy honoured Def Jam with a medley of old-school hits. Eminem opened the show with an army of Slim Shady lookalikes, reminiscent of his 2000 VMA performance.
The night concluded with Swift winning video of the year for a record fifth time. She thanked her boyfriend Travis: "Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun." To her fans, she added: "I'm always trying to figure out a way to say thank you to you for making my life what it is."
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