On Tuesday, September 12th, the Video Music Awards kicked off their show at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Nicki Minaj once again took on the role of host for this year’s show. Along with her, the roster of performers was filled with hit artists such as Doja Cat, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Demi Lovato, Olivia Rodririgo, and Shakira.
Lil Wayne opened up the award show ceremony with a fiery performance of “Uproar” and “Kat Food,” followed by Olivia Rodigo’s newly released “Vampire” and “Get Him Back!” Along with those artists, there were many great debut stages during the show, with performances by TXT, Stray Kids, and Anitta hailing from South Korea and Brazil. Many of these acts were dynamic while performing to an unfamiliar notable performance from Shakira and Diddy anchored the show. Shakira was awarded the Video Vanguard, also known as the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award or the Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is given to artists who have had a profound impact on music and pop culture as a whole. Shakira performed a medley of her career-defining songs, which include but are not limited to “She Wolf” and “Hips Don’t Lie.” Diddy had performed the Global Icon Medley with special guests Yung Miami and Keyshia Cole. Mary J. Blige presented the award show, giving a dedicated, heartfelt speech to her friend of 30 years. One moment in the show that had former fangirls’ hearts exploding, was when NSYNC reunited for the first time in 20 years to present Best Pop; which was awarded to Taylor Swift herself. There were many awards won by beloved artists. Ice Spice, who exploded in popularity this year, won “Best New Artist,” and BTS’ Jungkook and Latto won “Song of the Summer.” But the person who brought home the most awards at the 2023 VMA’s was Taylor Swift, with nine awards, one of them being Video of the Year for her hit “Anti-Hero.” Swift’s nine awards broke her record for the most VMAs in a year.