The 2024 MTV VMAs aired last night and Taylor Swift sure won a lot of them. I love the VMAs because they’re basically just one big concert with all the current pop stars and because the 2003 VMAs turned me gay, as I assume they did to a whole generation of lesbians. While two pop stars sadly didn’t kiss last night, there were still some queer highlights and I’m here to recap them for you!
Megan Thee Stallion to host the 2024 VMAs
First off, the awards show was hosted by bisexual rapper Megan Thee Stallion. She was absolutely stunning both as a host and as a singer, performing a medley that included “BOA,” “HISS,” and “BAS” from her new album of the same name, as well as her super-viral hit “Mamushi,” for which she brought Japanese rapper Yuki Chiba on stage.
Megan also paid tribute to Britney Spears – who, quite frankly, should be considered the queen of the VMAs – by recreating her iconic “I’m a Slave 4 U” look at the 2001 VMAs, live boa constrictor and all. Bisexual artist Halsey also performed as part of the evening’s festivities, giving off a grunge rock look and sound with a stage set that looked like a garage.
Doechii – whose new album you should listen to at the moment — was brought on stage to perform with Katy Perry, and although they did not kiss, did simulate scissor movements as part of their choreography. Both the Swamp Princess and the Midwest Princess made sure it was a very joyous evening, which brings us to…
Chappell Roan wins Best New Artist at the 2024 VMAs
Chappell Roan naturally brought a lot of joy to her VMA debut, walking onto the red carpet in a completely medieval outfit, including a long sheer dress, a beautiful green and gold robe, and a real sword. She said, “Sword lesbians, this one’s for you.” And the look was just a taste of what was to come: all of Chappell’s looks throughout the evening were in dialogue with each other. She loves themes!!
Chappell Roan’s own heroine Sasha Colby – whose line, “Your favorite drag queen’s favorite drag queen’s favorite drag queen” inspired Chappell’s catchphrase, “Your favorite artist’s favorite female artist” – announced her performance of the evening. “Your favorite drag queen’s favorite female artist, this is my daughter Chappell Roan,” said Sasha.
Her performance of “Good Luck Babe” was theatrical and breathtaking. She was all Joan of Arc, donning armor and wielding a crossbow with a fiery arrow that she literally shot onto the stage. I’m not usually a fan of cool pyrotechnics, but this stunt worked for me. As she sang, knights danced behind her and made Sword choreography. She set the bar high for drama and it was by far the best performance of the evening. Watch for yourself:
And then the cherry on top came for Chappell later in the night when she won the award for Best New Artist. She had to compete against Benson Boone, Gracie Abrams, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims and Tyla, but it seemed inconceivable that anyone other than Chappell would win the award, given her meteoric rise this summer. Her acceptance speech was a highlight of the evening, Chappell returning to the stage in a chainmail outfit with a vulgar headdress. I need more pop artists performing at this level of camp and fashion.
and it’s too good to excerpt, so I’ll just write it out in full! (She also, very sweetly, read it straight from her diary.)
Can you believe it? We’re at the VMAs! I’m going to read, I wrote a speech, I’m going to read from my diary. Thank you MTV and Island Records and my team and my family and my friends. I dedicate this to all the drag artists who inspire me, who inspire me. And I dedicate this to the queer and trans people who power pop. To the gay people who dedicate my songs to someone they love or hate. And thank you to the people who are fans, who listen to me, who listen to me share my joy and my fears. Thank you for listening. And to all the queer kids in the Midwest watching right now: I see you, I get you, because I’m one of you, and don’t let nobody tell you can’t be exactly who you want to be, bitch.
Best performance AND best speech? The 2024 VMAs belonged to Chappell Roan and the extraordinary host Megan Thee Stallion.
Sabrina Carpenter also made out with an alien in a dress during her performance, which seems important to mention. Not quite on the level of the Britney x Xtina x Madonna kiss from 2003, but definitely a fun, cheesy moment of the evening.
