Performances never disappoint at the VMA’s. Taylor Swift opened the show and performed for the first time after the release of her new album “Lover”. Right after the split from Liam Hemsworth, Miley Cyrus gave an emotional show of her new song “Slide Away”. Throwback artists, Queen Latifah, Redman, Naughty by Nature, Wyclef Jean and other classic hip-hop artist showed out to give a 90’s and 2000’s feel. All these specific performances stood out from all the other star-packed performances.
The 36th annual award show took place at Prudential Center in New York on Monday, August 26.
Ten years after the Kanye West and Taylor Swift speech interruption scandal, the music awards still provides drama. Back at it again, Swift made a call out to Donald Trump about the Equality Act Petition in her “You Need To Calm Down” performance and when she accepted her “Video of The Year” award.
Other than the performances and celebrities, a big part of the VMA’s is dedicated to honoring musical pioneers. Missy Elliot, the recipient of the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award proved again to us that she remains a legend and a major influence on the hip-hop and pop culture. She performed hit songs, “Work It”, “Get Ur Freak On” and “Hot Boyz”. To make the performance even better, Missy Elliot brought on Alyson Stoner. Stoner danced in the original “Work It” music video which catapulted her career, where she starred in “Camp Rock”, “Suite Life of Zach and Cody” and the “Step Up” franchise.
FOREVER WORKING IT @AlysonStoner #VMAS pic.twitter.com/BOxYVJUbUg
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) August 27, 2019
The 2019 VMA’s gave a new, fresh vibe to the show. The wide range of genres from rock to hip-hop that performed let everyone enjoy different parts of the award show. The VMA’s often make the mistake of not incorporating youth into the show. But for the first time, they gave brand new artists a moment of stardom.
Between the performances, celebrities and political stances, The MTV Video Music Awards proves once again why the VMA’s remains such a major event. This year set a different standard for next year to compete with.
