Written by Marcus Ector, Staff Writer
Every year, the MTV Video Music Awards brings together music’s biggest stars for a night filled with outrageous fashion, unforgettable performances, and moments nobody saw coming.
The VMAs are about more than just handing out awards to winners. The show ranges from unforgettable performances, outrageous outfits and tons of drama. Because of everything that goes on at the VMAs it becomes one of the most highly watched award shows. You never really know what’s gonna happen when the cameras start rolling. The unpredictability of the show is the reason why people tune in year after year.
One of the biggest elements of the show is the fashion. Celebrities use the red carpet as a way for them to express themselves and make a statement. Over the years the VMAs have given us some of the most talked about looks. The outfits range anywhere from a really over the top dramatic gown to a plain black tuxedo or completely different outfit that completely breaks the idea of traditional red carpet outfits. For example, Lady Gaga’s meat look was made entirely of real meat. She didn’t just stop at a meat dress she was wearing a meat hat, bag and even heels. For someone who is interested in fashion, the outfits can be just as important if not more than the music itself. A celebrity can perform a good song for a couple of minutes but a memorable, iconic outfit can become part of pop culture for years to come.
The performances are another reason the VMAs stand out. Artists have the opportunity to create performances that are bigger and more creative than what fans would normally see at a concert or on television. The VMAs have had performances that become major moments in music history only because of how unexpected the performance was but there are just so many factors that go into it: the staging, choreography, costumes. These performances also give newer artists a chance to showcase what they got. Artists like LISA, RAYE, and Sienna Spiro have gained a huge amount of fame following their performances at the show. For newer artists, performing at the VMAs can be a huge opportunity because millions of people are watching, giving them a chance to show what they can do on one of the biggest stages in music. The VMAs also continued to embrace K-pop with groups like BLACKPINK bringing their global star power to the iconic award show and proving that K-pop has become a major force in American pop culture.
However the VMAs are not always about the awards or performances. A huge draw comes from the unexpected moments. Whether it is a conversation between two celebrities who have been reportedly beefing for 3 years, a funny fan interaction, a big announcement or something a celebrity said that’s now a meme. Social media has made this even bigger now because people can react to moments almost instantly. Sometimes, one moment from the show can take over Instagram, TikTok and X before the show has even ended.
Ultimately, the VMAs are important because they represent connections between music, fashion, film and pop culture. The show allows artists to share and celebrate their work while simultaneously giving celebrities a chance to take risks and create memorable moments for themselves and the audience. Even when people don’t watch for the actual awards, they are usually watching to see what’s gonna happen next. That’s just another way the VMAs are set apart from a regular award show. They are not just about recognizing music; they are about creating memorable moments that people will still be talking about after the show is long over.