Monday night's VMAs served as a resounding triumph for the much–maligned awards show. With outstanding performances by artists such as Juice WRLD, Jessie Reyez, and Hayley Kiyoko and deserving victories for a number of Latinx performers, there was plenty of positivity in the pop culture sphere.
The show started off slow, with Cardi B pretending that a VMA trophy was her baby, Kulture. However, an excellent Shawn Mendes performance and a comedic monologue from Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish remedied the off–kilter start as MTV began handing out awards. In terms of awards, Latinx and Latin–American artists swept the awards. Camila Cabello took both the Artist of the Year and Video of the Year awards, Jennifer Lopez received the Video Vanguard Award and Best Collaboration Award, and J. Balvin and Willy William won Best Latin Video. The latter is a new category, perhaps in response to criticism over the initial lack of nomination for the hit “Despacito” at last year’s awards. When considered along with impressive performances by Maluma, Reyez, and Lopez, it was a strong display of cultural talent from start to finish and a celebration of diversity in the music industry.
The VMAs have introduced us to big names in the past, from Taylor Swift to Rihanna. This year was no different with up–and–coming singers such as Bazzi, Reyez, and Kiyoko belting out their biggest hits. Additionally, the relevance of the Video with a Message category cannot be understated; the show’s recognition of songs about issues such as suicide prevention (Logic’s “1–800–273–8255”) as well as institutionalized racism and gun violence (winner Childish Gambino’s “This is America”) reflects music’s fundamental power as a force for sociopolitical change.
On a less positive note, let’s talk about Madonna’s Aretha Franklin tribute. Although Madonna sincerely credited Franklin’s music for her start in the industry, her speech was long–winding and self–focused. From talking about her own story as “a skinny–ass white girl” in Paris to referring to Franklin by name a total of four times, and ending with an irrelevant reference to her 1984 VMAs performance of “Like a Virgin,” it’s evident that Madonna was the wrong person for the job and it is strange that she was chosen for the tribute in the first place. MTV should have selected an individual more directly acquainted with Franklin, such as a family member or performer who had worked with her.
Despite Pauly D's crazy hair and a cringe–worthy tribute, the VMAs did not disappoint. The performances were outstanding; the award winners were arguable but not particularly controversial. As a moment in pop culture, it speaks to the breadth and depth of performative talent in the music industry that is constantly evolving with the boom of social media. Outside of the Franklin tribute, there was little spice at the VMAs this year, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. The next major music awards show show isn't until October, but keep an eye out for our coverage of the American Music Awards.
