Taylor Swift made historical past on the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, changing into essentially the most embellished solo artist of all time after profitable seven classes, together with the distinguished video of the yr award. Swift, who now holds 30 VMAs, surpassed Beyoncé’s solo document of 25, solidifying her legacy within the music trade.

Swift kicked off the night with a win for greatest collaboration with Publish Malone for his or her duet “Fortnight.” She took a second to mirror on the anniversary of 9/11 throughout her acceptance speech: “Waking up this morning in New York on September eleventh, I’ve simply been fascinated by what occurred 23 years in the past. Everybody who misplaced a beloved one and everybody that we misplaced and that’s the most vital factor right now. And all the pieces that occurs tonight falls behind that.”

The occasion, held at UBS Area in Lengthy Island, largely celebrated feminine artists. Sabrina Carpenter delivered a fascinating efficiency of her songs “Please Please Please” and “Espresso,” with the latter profitable tune of the yr. Whereas accepting the award, Carpenter mentioned, “That is actually particular. I simply really feel so grateful to have really the very best followers on the planet … and thanks to that me espresso.”

Brazilian star Anitta claimed greatest Latin for her tune “Mil Veces,” and Lisa of Blackpink received greatest Ok-pop for her solo observe “Rockstar.” South African artist Tyla received greatest Afrobeats for her hit “Water” and used the chance to focus on the variety of African music, saying, “There’s a bent to group all African artists underneath Afrobeats … African music is so numerous. It’s extra than simply Afrobeats.”

Katy Perry obtained the Video Vanguard Award, marking the seventh consecutive yr the lifetime achievement prize has gone to a feminine artist. Perry carried out a medley of her iconic hits and credited her success to her capability to “block out the noise that each single artist has to consistently struggle, particularly girls.”

Chappell Roan received greatest new artist, dedicating her win to “all of the drag artists who encourage me” and “queer and trans folks that gas pop.” She additional empowered queer children within the Midwest, saying, “Don’t ever let anybody inform you which you could’t be precisely who you need to be, bitch!”

The night time concluded with Swift profitable her fifth video of the yr award. She thanked her followers and gave a particular shoutout to her boyfriend, Travis, saying, “All the pieces this man touches turns to happiness and enjoyable and magic.”

Swift ended her speech by encouraging followers to register to vote, referencing her assist for Kamala Harris’s presidential marketing campaign: “In case you are over 18, please register to vote for one thing else that’s essential.”