vmas

03 Apr 2025

CBS Will Present MTV Video Music Awards for the First Time in 2025

CBS is set to present the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) for the first time this year. The three-hour broadcast will also simulcast on MTV, which launched the show in 1984. A one-hour live pre-show will air across Paramount Media Networks.

This year’s show is set to air live on Sunday, Sept. 7 starting at 8 p.m. ET, and streaming on Paramount+. Last year’s show, hosted by Megan Thee Stallion, aired on Wednesday (Sept. 11). The show will broadcast from UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. for the second year in a row. Nominations, performers and additional details will be announced closer to the show.

The 2025 VMAs are also set to be executive produced by Bruce Gillmer and Jesse Ignjatovic. Additionally, Barb Bialkowski will serve as co-executive producer for the show, Alicia Portugal and Jackie Barba as executives in charge of production, Wendy Plaut was announced as the executive in charge of celebrity talent and Lisa Lauricella as music talent executive.

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The news comes after the 2024 VMAs hosted the largest multi-network audience since 2020, while also receiving more social media interactions than any other VMAs with 66.7 million social interactions across platforms.

At last year’s show, Taylor Swift won video of the year for the third consecutive year with “Fortnight” (featuring Post Malone). She won in that category the previous two years for “All Too Well: The Short Film” and “Anti-Hero.” Swift directed all three videos. Swift also won artist of the year at last year’s VMAs. Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” won song of the year. Chappell Roan won best new artist.

12 Sep 2024

2024 VMAs Reaches Biggest Audience in Four Years

Eminem opened the 2024 VMAs on Wednesday (Sept. 11) with his recent hit “Houdini.” As it turns out, the show delivered a pretty neat magic trick of its own. In an era of flat, or even declining, ratings for awards shows, the VMAs delivered their biggest audience in four years, with more than 4 million viewers.

MTV reports that combined ratings for the premiere and encore showings were up 8% compared to a year ago (4.09 million vs. 3.78 million). Ratings for the premiere simulcast at 8 p.m. ET/PT were up 25% compared to a year ago (3.11 million vs. 2.49 million).

That premiere broadcast was simulcast across 13 networks in the U.S., the same number as last year – BET, BET Her, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV, MTV2, Nick at Nite, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land, VH1 and Univision. That means that the casual music fan who may have been channel-surfing came across the show multiple times. That sheer repetition may have stirred their interest and made it seem like this was an event.

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The black-carpet pre-show at 6:30 p.m. aired on four networks. The first encore at 11:18 p.m. (the show ran over, as awards shows tend to do) aired on 10 networks. (Two other networks started their first encore showings within that hour.) The second encore at 2:34 a.m. aired on four networks.

MTV reports that the 2024 VMAs were the No. 1 most social entertainment telecast in history, with 66.7 million interactions. The only program that beat it was the second presidential debate of the 2024 campaign season, which aired the previous night, between VP Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

The show rang up 829 million video views (an 18% increase over last year) and 76.3 million engagements (a 25% increase over last year) across global owned accounts.

VMAs trended No. 1 worldwide on X (formerly Twitter) for 10 hours. Media impressions were up 8% — 107.5 billion impressions this year vs. 99.5 billion impressions last year.

The 2024 VMAs had an impressive artist lineup, including host/performer Megan Thee Stallion and such other red-hot artists as Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and Benson Boone. Taylor Swift didn’t perform, but she was in the audience (or onstage accepting awards) from start to finish. It seems fair to say that artists support the VMAs at this point more than MTV supports music videos, other than on this one night a year. Maybe, given these healthy ratings for their flagship program, the channel can address putting music videos back into its programming mix.

12 Sep 2024

Shaboozey Confirms That, Yes, He’s a Fan of Taylor Swift: ‘I’m a Big Swiftie, Man!’

Shaboozey‘s already sang about how he and Jack Daniels got a history, and now the country superstar is ready to link up with another famous name: Taylor Swift.

Speaking to The Associated Press on the red carpet of the 2024 MTV VMAs on Wednesday night, Shaboozey revealed that he identifies as a “big Swiftie” and praised his fellow nominee. “Love T. Swift, love Taylor,” he told the outlet. “Big one.”

The reporter then asked Shaboozey if he thought Swift’s high-profile endorsement of Kamala Harris gave “permission” to other artists to get more political. “I think you just do you, you know?” the singer responded. “Do what you feel in your heart, just be honest with yourself and authentic to you, to your person … and just walk in your truth.”

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Later in the evening, Shaboozey was spotted chatting with Swift, as the pair posed for a series of photos together during the ceremony.

The country phenomenon was nominated at Wednesday’s awards for song of the summer for his nine-week Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 breakout hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” but he was ultimately beat out by none other than Swift herself, who took home the trophy alongside Post Malone for “Fortnight.” Swift went on to score seven wins at the annual show, including video of the year and best collaboration for “Fortnight,” as well as artist of the year.

Elsewhere on the red carpet, Shaboozey spoke about the surprising news that Beyoncé had not been nominated for any trophies at the 2024 CMA Awards, where he’s up for his first two awards. “It’s definitely unfortunate, if that’s something that she was looking to receive and that’s something that she worked for,” he told E! News. “I know as an artist, you put a lot of time and a lot of work, and a lot of things, and a lot of energy into music, you know? But you know awards aren’t really, you know, they’re not everything.”

Check out a clip of Shaboozey’s interview below, plus a carousel of his VMA night with some “friends,” including Swift and Chappell Roan:

12 Sep 2024

Chappell Roan Goes Off on a Photographer At 2024 VMAs Red Carpet | Billboard News

Chappell Roan told a photographer off at the 2024 MTV VMAs red carpet, and spoke about why she did it. Keep watching to see her reasoning.

Narrator:
Chappell Roan had a big night at the MTV VMAs and made a bold statement on the red carpet with a fiery exchange with a photographer. Chappell made her MTV VMA debut on Wednesday night, but things got crazy before the show even began, and it was all caught on video. While posing for photos on the red carpet, a photographer seemingly said, “shut the f–k up,” which prompted the star to turn around and deliver an unfiltered response. While it’s unclear whether the photographer was speaking to her or not, Chappell spoke about the incident during an interview with Entertainment Tonight. 

Chappell Roan:
I think for someone who gets a lot of anxiety around people yelling at you, the carpet is horrifying. And I need to, I yelled back. I yelled back! You don’t get to yell at me like that! 

Narrator:
Chappell has been vocal about her experience with fame and setting boundaries, and has received support from her peers in the industry. Noah Kahan took to Twitter to react to the red carpet incident, saying, “I’ll never forget leaving Clive Davis and the horrific s–t photographers and paparazzi or whatever were saying to me in front of my sweet mom, who couldn’t believe it was actually happening. Love this Chappell Roan way to stand up for yourself.”

The night, turned around for Chappell. She gave a show-stopping performance of her Hot 100 hit “Good Luck, Babe!” and took home Best New Artist. 

Keep watching for more!

12 Sep 2024

From Megan Thee Stallion to Sabrina Carpenter, the 2024 VMAs Were Full of Britney Spears Tributes

Of all the pop stars in the world, who could rule the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards without being nominated for any awards or even setting foot on the premises? That would be Britney Spears, b—h.

This year’s awards on Wednesday (Sept. 11) were chock full of small and large tributes to the 43-year-old pop icon, from references to Spears’ most legendary performances to subtle nods to her music videos and fashion. The most direct example was when host Megan Thee Stallion came out dressed in a recreation of the famous green bra and blue skirt the superstar wore at the same ceremony 23 years prior while performing “I’m a Slave 4 U,” complete with a yellow snake around her shoulders.

But while Brit was able to look totally cool and collected while singing with the 7-foot albino Burmese python on her shoulders in 2001, the Houston rapper was a lot less calm. “I don’t know this snake, this snake don’t know me,” Meg said nervously, instructing her crew to promptly get the reptile off of her. “Oh my god! I tried to hold it down for Britney.”

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The “WAP” musician’s discomfort with the snake was even funnier considering the reptilian theme of her latest album Megan — which reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 — and its hit singles “Hiss,” “Boa” and “Cobra.” It might make her feel better to know that secretly, Spears was also terrified of her nonhuman performance partner back in 2001, with the “Toxic” singer tweeting in 2023, “I still remember how scared I felt when I was handed this snake and took the stage !!!”

At the same VMAs where Brit sang “I’m a Slave 4 U,” she also wore a sheer, lacy Dolce & Gabbana minidress on the red carpet. Twenty-three years later, another pop star wore almost the exact same look to the 2024 event: Tate McRae, who also addressed having fans compare her to Spears.

“I honestly take it as a compliment,” she told The Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet before the show. “I think she’s one of the most incredible performers of the 2000s. I remember watching her as a kid all the time.”

Spears’ impact was also evident in Sabrina Carpenter‘s performance later that night, with the latter playing an audio snippet of the former’s spacey “Oops!…I Did It Again” music video during the transition between her Billboard Hot 100-topping hit “Please Please Please” and new single “Taste.” Plus, Carpenter at one point pulled in a female dancer dressed like an alien for a sensual kiss, carrying on a tradition set by Spears’ culture-shocking smooch with Madonna on the VMAs stage in 2003.

See the ways Britney Spears was honored at the 2024 VMAs below.

12 Sep 2024

Chappell Roan, Eminem, Katy Perry, Shawn Mendes & More: Which 2024 VMAs Performance Was Your Favorite? Vote!

Suffice it to say that Wednesday night’s (Sept. 11) 2024 MTV VMAs was a lot. The 40th anniversary celebration of the former music video channel’s signature awards ceremony handed out around two Moonpersons per hour during its 190-minute run time, but you might have not noticed since it also packed in 16 star-studded performances that paid homage to the network’s past, present and future.

So, of course, now it’s time to rewind and answer the most important question of all: which performances were your favorite?

Perhaps you’re a traditionalist who loves the comfort food of MTV’s iconic stars of the pre-YouTube era, in which case the show-opening medley from a wig-wearing Eminem might have been your thing, or perhaps hip-hop legend LL Cool J’s homage to Def Jam and his own four-decade career? If that’s your vibe, always-shirtless Lenny Kravitz may end up at the top of your list, and surely Katy Perry’s dance-heavy visual extravaganza celebrating her biggest hits before the bestowing of her Video Vanguard award is in the mix.

Among the other sets to choose from are BLACKPINK member LISA’s run through her solo songs “New Woman” and “Rockstar” and a trio of stage-burning performances from Latin icons Karol G, Rauw Alejandro and Anitta, which brought killer choreography and some Broadway dazzle to the proceedings. Speaking of razzle, Benson Boone rocked a glittery jumpsuit while jumping off his piano for a backflipping set that drew gasps.

Camilla Cabello smashed her laptop and got some ex-revenge during an intense “Godspeed,” while former flame Shawn Mendes did a super moody slow burn with his new song “Nobody Knows.” Host Megan Thee Stallion proved she’s a true double-threat with a high-energy medley, and if you didn’t rewind Chappell Roan’s Gaga-esque medieval masterpiece re-imagining of “Good Luck, Babe!” or Sabrina Carpenter’s out-of-this-world medley of recent hits, well maybe you need to check the tape for our rundown of all the performances.

Billboard already made its picks for the night’s best performances, so now it’s your turn. Which 2024 VMAs performance was your favorite? Vote below!

12 Sep 2024

Noah Kahan Defends Chappell Roan for Confronting VMAs Photographer: ‘Way to Stand Up for Yourself’

Noah Kahan may say that “I just like to play the victim,” but he’s not afraid to applaud fellow artist Chappell Roan for calling out unacceptable behavior.

Roan made headlines on the red carpet of the 2024 MTV VMAs Wednesday (Sept. 11), when she confronted a photographer who appeared to tell her to “shut the f–k up” when she turned away from the cameras for a moment. “You shut the f–k up!” the pop singer clapped back. “Not me, b—h.”

The “Stick Season” singer reposted a clip of the encounter on X, telling fans about his own less-than-ideal experiences with rude photographers throughout his career. “I’ll never forget leaving [the] Clive Davis [pre-Grammy gala] and the horrific s–t photographers and paparazzi or whatever were saying to me in front of my sweet mom who couldn’t believe it was actually happening,” Kahan wrote. “Love this @ChappellRoan way to stand up for yourself.”

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When one fan remarked about a lack of professionalism from some photographers, Kahan was quick to respond, clarifying that “most I’ve interacted with are kind and professional.” However, he said the few who act poorly sour the whole experience. “There are some parasites who intentionally instigate confrontations with caring people who are there to live out a dream in order to further their own interests. Its so toxic and f–k them for that.”

Outside of the red carpet, Roan had a big night at the VMAs. Along with stunning the audience with a Joan of Arc-inspired performance of her hit song “Good Luck, Babe,” Roan took home the evening’s trophy for best new artist. In her acceptance speech, Roan dedicated the award to the drag community, her fellow queer and trans artists and especially to the “queer kids in the Midwest” watching her. “I see you. I understand you, because I am one of you,” she said.

Read Kahan’s tweets below:

12 Sep 2024

Big Sean Calls Working With Eminem on ‘The Death of Slim Shady’ a ‘Full-Circle Moment’

Growing up in Detroit, Eminem has long been one of Big Sean’s idols. Sean Don has worked with Em in the past, but this time on The Death of Slim Shady was extra special for the 36-year-old.

Billboard caught up with Big Sean on the red carpet prior to the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday (Sept. 11) at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y., where Sean reflected on teaming up with Eminem for “Tobey.”

“I’m happy to be a part of that album as well. For sure, for sure. [The Slim Shady LP] was the first album I bought from Costco with my birthday money,” he explained. “That was way back. To be on The Death of Slim Shady was a full-circle moment.”

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“Tobey” happened to be an all-Detroit affair, as Eminem recruited the emerging BabyTron to complete the trio. The single ended up peaking at No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100. It marked the fourth Big Sean x Eminem team-up, following in the footsteps of “Detroit Vs. Everybody,” “No Favors” and Detroit 2‘s “Friday Night Cypher.”

Eminem opened the 2024 VMAs with a dynamic performance, which saw him rock a blond wig alongside a crew of Slim Shady clones during “Houdini.” He ditched the wig and things got more serious when Jelly Roll appeared on screen for their poignant “Somebody Save Me” collaboration.

It’s a busy week for Eminem fans. The Detroit icon is gearing up to make Friday the 13th a spooky one, when he’ll drop off more music packaged as part of The Death of Slim Shady: Expanded Mourner’s Edition. As for Big Sean, his Better Me Than You album arrived on Aug. 30, and the LP debuted at No. 25 on the Billboard 200.

Watch the interview below.

12 Sep 2024

Watch Katy Perry Make Taylor Swift’s Jaw Drop With a Censored Remark at the 2024 VMAs

Katy Perry‘s career-spanning medley and passionate Vanguard acceptance speech at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday (Sept. 11) kept fans on their toes — including Taylor Swift, whose jaw dropped more than once during the showcase. 

One of the “Anti-Hero” singer’s biggest reactions came when the night’s main honoree said something that definitely needed censoring during the ceremony’s live broadcast: “… and the LGBTQ community, who I recognize I wouldn’t be here without, and who showed me that you can be both kind and c—.” 

At hearing the C-word come out of Perry’s mouth, Swift froze in the middle of clapping, opened her mouth in disbelief, then turned around to look at longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff, who pointed at the 14-time Grammy winner as she smiled and nodded. 

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Other memorable moments came when the “Woman’s World” artist started her speech by saying she’d done her entire performance while “on the first day of [her] period,” which also made Swift stop in her tracks before nodding with dazed encouragement. Moments before, when Perry was performing her medley to celebrate winning 2024’s Video Vanguard honors, the Eras Tour headliner totally stopped dancing as her jaw dropped with shock as the former American Idol judge started kissing her “I’m His, He’s Mine” collaborator, Doechii, in a position that would make the most flexible yoga enthusiasts envious. 

Swifties — many of whom were watching the pop star’s reactions on the VMAs‘ live audience cam more than the actual show itself — were totally here for it. “Taylor Swift’s reaction to Doechii and Katy Perry kissing is priceless,” one person wrote, while another added, “taylor gagged over ‘you can be both kind and c—‘ is SENDING ME.” 

At other points in the night, Swift took home seven different Moon People — including video of the year for “Fortnight” — which ties her with Beyonce for most-awarded in history with 30 awards total over the past two decades. But fans of both the “Karma” artist and Perry were perhaps most heartened to see the former dancing along to the latter’s set and cheering her on as the “Roar” vocalist accepted the Vanguard prize from partner Orlando Bloom.  

That’s because the two pop stars have a storied past, involving a yearslong feud that the pair eventually settled in 2018. A year later, Perry joined Swift in her “You Need to Calm Down” music video, solidifying their friendship once more. 

Watch Swift react to Perry’s Vanguard showcase below.

12 Sep 2024

5 Things You Didn’t See On TV At the 2024 MTV VMAs

On Wednesday (Sept. 11), the MTV Video Music Awards celebrated its 40th anniversary with a star-studded telecast led by first-time host Megan Thee Stallion.

In addition to Thee Hot Girl Coach’s fiery Megan medley — which featured her Billboard Hot 100 hits “Hiss” (No. 1), “Boa” (No. 39) and “Mamushi” (with Yuki Chiba, No. 36) — the three-hour telecast also featured electrifying performances from Eminem, Jelly Roll, Shawn Mendes, Karol G, LISA, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Katy Perry, Doechii, Anitta, Fat Joe, DJ Khaled, Rauw Alejandro, Benson Boone, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Halsey, Lenny Kravitz, Quavo, Camila Cabello, GloRilla, Teddy Swims and Jessie Murph.

Taylor Swift, who was joined by “boyfriend” Travis Kelce, was the night’s biggest winner. By clinching seven Moonpeople from her 12 overall nominations, Swift tied Beyoncé as the biggest VMAs winner of all time. Carpenter took home her first Moonperson (song of the year for “Espresso”), as did fellow 2024 breakout star Roan (best new artist). Perry reigned as the night’s biggest honoree as she became the latest artist to receive the coveted Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Introduced by her fiancé Orlando Bloom, Perry delivered a bombastic career-spanning medley that notably featured two selections from her forthcoming 143 album: “Lifetimes” and the Doechii-assisted “I’m His, He’s Mine.”

Of course, no single television program can capture everything that happens on a night when so many stars come out to play — but Billboard has you covered. From the ground floor of Long Island’s UBS Arena to a VIP suite hosted by Bacardí Rum, the official spirits partner of the 2024 MTV VMAs which also boasts a global partnership with Cabello, Billboard was a true fly on the wall.

Here are five things you missed on the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards telecast.