Taylor Swift reigns supreme at the MTV VMAS as Shakira makes history

Taylor Swift had a triumphant night at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, following a slightly chaotic four-hour ceremony that ended abruptly before the big winners were announced.

The night also belonged to Shakira, who walked the red carpet with her two sons, as the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer became the first South American artist to receive the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

“I couldn’t believe it,” she said during her red carpet appearance. “It’s such an important award. I mean, Michael Jackson received it once, along with so many other incredible artists, and I feel honored to be here.

Ahead of Tuesday night’s (September 12) ceremony with the most nominations, Swift took home nine awards at the Nicki Minaj-hosted ceremony at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The glitzy awards show was attended by stars such as actor Billy Porter, actor and rock singer Jared Leto, Tiffany Haddish, pop singer Bebe Rexha, rapper Cardi B and her husband Offset, Colombian singer Karol G , Saweetie, Italian rock band Maneskin and pop star Demi Lovato.

Featuring performances from “Bongos” collaborators Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, “Vampire” hitmaker Olivia Rodrigo, Best Latin winner Anitta, Lil Wayne, P Diddy and Doja Cat – among others – the ceremony of three hours promised to be an unforgettable moment. excellent time.

And the 2023 VMAs were largely held, save for one minor issue, as fans watching at home were left confused when the televised premiere ended without announcing Swift as the winner of the album. ‘year or artist of the year.

Tuesday night’s sweep means Swift is now the record holder for most VMA wins in one night. The pop superstar’s total now stands at 23, making her the second most decorated artist in the awards show’s history after Beyoncé.

The 33-year-old musician also became the first artist to win Video of the Year four times, winning for “Anti-Hero” on Tuesday night.

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“It’s incredible. Last year was truly the adventure of a lifetime,” she said during her acceptance speech. “I can’t believe it’s him a year ago at the VMAs that I announced the Midnights album.

“All I have to say tonight is thank you.”

Currently in the middle of its billion dollar mark Eras tour, Swift had every reason to celebrate and could be seen dancing in her seat at almost every performance of the night.

“Taylor dancing at award shows is literally my favorite,” one fan said, as Swift applauded performances from Doja Cat, Demi Lovato and Shakira, who delivered a jaw-dropping performance of her biggest hits.

She was seen cheering on Olivia Rodrigo, who performed her hit “Vampire” at the show this year, as Swift’s fans said the “non-existent beef was squashed.”

They were referring to feud rumors, dating back to 2021, when Rodrigo gave Swift and her longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff writing credits and royalties for his song “Deja Vu,” which interpolated “Cruel Summer” by Swift.

Where one feud ends, another begins — or so it appears, as video footage from the first hour of the VMAs appeared to show Justin Timberlake and Megan Thee Stallion arguing.

The clip showed Timberlake leaning over to say something to the “Bongos” singer as she got ready backstage, before Megan responded pointedly then turned away “looking angry,” according to Variety.

However, their interaction was the furthest thing from a fight, a VMA source told the outlet.

“‘He said, ‘It’s so nice to meet you,’ and she said, ‘No, no, it doesn’t count, it doesn’t count.’ We must meet properly.

“It was very cute,” the source added, confirming that there were “zero fights” between Megan and Timberlake, who also reunited with NYSNC 19 years after leaving the boy band.

NSYNC members including Joey Fantone, Kirkpatrick, JC Chasez and Lance Bass presented the “unstoppable Taylor Swift” with the award for Best Pop, as she exclaimed “you are pop personified.”

Bass also gave Swift several colorful beaded friendship bracelets, following a popular tradition among his fans.

“I don’t do a good job of going from this to that (from being an NSYNC fan to accepting an award),” she said. “Like, I had your dolls!” »

“Are you going to do something?” I need to know what it is! she pressed them for more details, following their surprise reunion.

While Swift and NSYNC have expressed mutual admiration, a Selena Gomez moment went viral for different reasons when the “Single Soon” singer appeared to wrinkle her nose when Chris Brown’s name was read among the Best R&B nominees.

The singer was nominated for his feature on Chlöe’s “How Does It Feel,” but lost to SZA’s “Shirt.”

In 2009, Brown pleaded guilty to assaulting Rihanna, who was dating him at the time. Since then, several other women have accused Brown of sexual assault; the singer denied these accusations.

As the curtain falls on this year’s ceremony, you can find the full list of VMA winners here.