Last night, Sept. 7, was the 41st VMAs, and as the award show typically delivers, it was a night of record-breaking, show-stopping moments and major firsts. Don’t fret if you missed it, though; we’ve got you covered with all of the moments that made our jaws drop.
Up first, and unusually early in the night to accommodate her Madison Square Garden concert, Lady Gaga took to the stage to accept the Album of the Year award. This acceptance placed her among the top 20 artists who have performed at the VMAs of all time, with six performances under her belt. Due to her closing show of the Mayhem Ball tour, Gaga prerecorded her wonderfully theatrical and eccentric performance of “Abracadabra” and “Dead Dance.”
Following an iconic performance of some of his greatest hits, including “Pégate,” “Shake Your Bon-Bon,” “Vente Pa’Ca,” “Maria” and “The Cup of Life,” Ricky Martin accepted the first-ever Latin Icon Award.
Lola Young made her official VMAs debut with a raw performance of “Messy.” Despite this being her first appearance, she commanded the stage with her presence and powerful vocals.
After being a major force in the industry for over 30 years, Mariah Carey took home her first VMA win with the Video Vanguard award. She makes light of the situation in her speech, telling the audience, “Thank you, MTV, for giving me the Vanguard Award. I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight. I just have one question. What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?” Prior to her acceptance, she performed a mix of some of her most iconic songs, including “Dreamlover,” “Heartbreaker,” and “Obsessed.”
Alex Warren, on top of taking home the Best New Artist award, serenaded the crowd with his songs “Eternity” and “Ordinary.” Supported by a gospel choir and high-energy dancers, his performance was truly Sunday service worthy.
Delivering a performance worthy of the “pop princess title,” Tate McRae showed off her killer moves and vocals performing her electric songs “Sports Car” and “Revolving Door.”
Sombr also had a night of successes at his first VMAs. The “back to friends” singer took home the award for Best Alternative Artist and wowed the live audience and those watching from home with his captivating performance of “12 to 12″ and ‘back to friends.”
Taking home the Best Pop Artist award, Sabrina Carpenter also performed her hit song “Tears” off her newest album, Mans Best Friend. An impeccable performance, Carpenter also used her moment to advocate for trans rights with signs that read “dolls, dolls, dolls” and “Protect Trans Rights.”
Arianna Grande had a night of accomplishments to add to her impressive career. The Wicked star won Best Pop Video and Video of the Year for her song “Brighter Days Ahead,” which she accepted alongside director Christian Breslauer.
In a moving display of emotion, the VMAs gave a heartfelt tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne that featured a video of the metal legend’s family, followed by a performance of “Changes” and “Crazy Train.” These anthems were performed by Aerosmith legends Steven Tyler and Joe Perry and Yungblood, who wore Osbourne’s cross given to him by the Black Sabbath singer when he took Yungblood under his wing.
Conan Gray closed out the VMAs with a wonderfully devastating rendition of “Vodka Cranberry” off his new album, Wishbone. Gray owned the stage, dressed in his Renaissance best, and he delivered some of the most memorable vocals of the night. In an ending worthy of Shakespeare himself, the singer pulled out a vial and downed the potion, collapsing onto his lover (played by Cory Fogelmanis).
Overall, the VMAs were an amazing night as always, bringing out some of the best of the best and showcasing amazing performances.
