THE O.K. LIST: VMAS EDITION
I think MTV was just doing it for the plot, and I love it!
The MTV Video Music Awards is not what it once was. In its heyday, there was controversy (Madonna/Britney/Aguilera kiss), incredible theatrics (Paparazzi by Lady Gaga), and, overall, just great music and iconic performances.
But what the VMAs continue to be is a great place to know what is happening in culture. While the Grammys provide you with a more “elevated” top view of the industry, the MTV Awards are still a great barometer of what we are listening to at the gym, to the artists that Gen Z can’t wait to watch live, and the global trends from around the world, from Latin to K-Pop to whatever it is LL Cool J was doing there last night.
And let’s not forget MTV is always in it for the plot. Booking Sabrina Carpenter, Shawn Mendes, and Camila Cabello to perform on the same night… Shady! And we love it!
Gossip aside, here are my personal favorites (and my list of duds) from the fun fest of music that the VMAs 2024 provided.
SABRINA AND THE TRANSGENDER ILLEGAL ALIEN
Less than 24 hours since Donald Trump accused Kamala Harris of wanting to perform transgender operations on illegal aliens, Sabrina Carpenter took the stage to perform her three #1 hits while kissing, you guessed it, a transgender alien.
Talk about creating a memorable moment in time with a presentation that borrowed from everything that makes a good VMA performance stand the test of time.
It is her time, and she knows everyone wants her espresso.
THE REVOLUTION OF CHAPPELL ROAN
Just yesterday I wrote about how Chappell Roan is starting a revolution in the way fans relate to their favorite stars, and there she is, Joan of Arc incarnate, setting the old institutions on fire at the VMA stage.
Not much to add to it, except that it is great to see her stand up to her beliefs, in and out of the stage, especially when she put a photographer in his place for screaming at her on the red carpet.
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We’re roaring for Roan, who also won the Moonman Best New Artist last night.
GODSPEED TO DIRTY BLOND HAIR
This era of Camila Cabello might not have been her most successful, but I still find it so interesting to watch. And her performance at the VMAs ripped a page from the playbook of iconic moments when she revealed her return to dark hair.
As anyone will know, blonde hair is not for everyone, and transitioning to it can almost break careers (hi, Katy). With he performance of Godspeed Camila addresses the issue point blank and sends a message that she is ready to return to her roots.
Opening it with June Gloom, a song most say is directed at Sabrina Carpenter, just adds so much to the lore. +1.000 Aura points.
OK, I SEE YOU RAUW
I have to be honest, male performers at the VMA tend to bore me. I want spectacle, theatrics, and storytelling, but most of the time they just… deliver a good concert (I am looking at you, Lenny Kravitz).
However, watching Rauw Alejandro’s performance felt like a show! Even though I don’t particularly enjoy his music, he commanded the stage. Rauw gave me Britney's storytelling, Shakira's dance routines, and MJ's staging.
It did what a VMA performance should: convince me to give him a try the next time I open my Spotify.
THERE IS LIFE BEYOND K-POP GROUPS
Another confession: I was waiting for Lisa’s performance to bomb.
Don’t get me wrong. I love Lisa, and I love her new songs (New Woman is a masterclass of a music video), but somehow solo K-Pop performances never really quite hit the mark for me. I am much more inclined to a group bop with perfectly synched choreos and amazing camera work.
But Lisa proved me wrong. The performance was simple, but it was not boring. And as a big plus, it proved there is life beyond BlackPink (and that I maybe should give more credit to Korean solo acts).
(HOT) MEN, GIVE AVERAGE PERFORMANCES
I guess the title says it all. Benson Boone gave us great eye candy, an amazing voice, but kinda subpar stage command, while Shawn Gave us… whatever he did with the guitar.
Eminem, whilst not hot, did give us a hint of nostalgia, and Lenny Kravitz gave us 1997 Live Aid performance vibes.
Honestly, if they would have played in succession I would have taken a nap.
THIRD TIME IS A CHARM FOR ANITTA
Anitta’s performance might been on the lackluster side, but the fact this is the third year in a row she has performed and taken home the Best Latin award is nothing but record-breaking.
A testament to the power of Latin music and of Brazil’s new place in the global music scene.
OH, AND KATY
Every year the VMAs give out the Vanguard Award meant to signify the importance of an artist’s legacy, and this year, controversially, Katy Perry was the recipient.
Was it bad? No. Was it good? Also no. Did it stack up against last year’s tour the force from Shakira, and the newsworthy act of Nicki Minaj the year prior? Again, not really.
Katy ticked off all the right boxes with a great technical presentation and managed to remind everyone what a great performer she is. But the fact her set consisted mainly of songs from her Teenage Dream era and a couple of promos for the new album, also made it a garish reminder she has had no real major impact in the industry since 2010.
It was a 10 for staging, but a 6 for soul.