Taylor Swift continued her streak at the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday night, taking home the coveted Video of the Year award for her song “Fortnight,” featuring Post Malone. In her acceptance speech, Swift urged her fans, known as Swifties, to register to vote in the upcoming US presidential election. This marked the third consecutive year Swift has won the fan-voted award, highlighting her continued influence in the music industry.
“To the fans, I’m always trying to figure out a way to say thank you to you for making my life what it is,” said Swift, who directed the award-winning video. She then used the moment to make a call to action: “If you are over 18, please register to vote for something else that is very important.”
Swift’s message came on the heels of her endorsement of Kamala Harris, following the presidential debate between Democratic candidate Harris and Republican incumbent Donald Trump. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Swift expressed her support for Harris, saying, “I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them.”
Among the night’s other highlights, rising star Chappell Roan, known as the “Midwest Princess,” made a dramatic entrance in a suit of armor while wielding a fiery crossbow, evoking the spirit of Joan of Arc. Roan, who won the Best New Artist award, dedicated her win to the LGBTQ+ community. “For all the queer kids in the Midwest watching right now, I see you,” she said. “I understand you, because I’m one of you, and don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t be exactly who you want to be.”
South African artist Tyla also made history, winning Best Afrobeats for her song “Water.” Tyla highlighted the diversity of African music, pointing out that while Afrobeats is popular, it does not represent the entirety of the continent’s musical landscape. “African music is so diverse—it’s more than just Afrobeats,” she said, emphasizing the global impact of her hit song.
The MTV VMAs, known for their over-the-top performances, did not disappoint. Megan Thee Stallion, who hosted the event, recreated Britney Spears’s iconic 2001 performance with a live python. However, in a humorous twist, she quickly decided the snake was not for her, exclaiming, “Come get this snake—I don’t know this snake, this snake don’t know me,” before a handler removed the reptile.
Eminem took the stage with a nod to his famous performance from the 2000 VMAs, delivering “The Real Slim Shady” surrounded by lookalikes. Meanwhile, fashion played a starring role as Swift donned a Dior outfit with hints of her “Reputation” era, leading fans to speculate about the impending re-recording of the album. Sabrina Carpenter, who won Song of the Year for “Espresso,” arrived in a vintage Bob Mackie gown famously worn by Madonna to the 1991 Oscars, and later performed on a swing in a theatrical entrance.
Other performances included Anitta’s energetic twerks and Karol G’s Latin bar scene set for “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.” The evening’s top honor, the Video Vanguard award, was presented to Katy Perry by her husband, Orlando Bloom. Perry wowed the audience with a video-game-meets-Cirque-du-Soleil aerial performance of her greatest hits.
As the night drew to a close, Swift took a moment to reflect on the significance of the date, September 11, paying tribute to the victims of the 2001 attacks. “That is the most important thing about today,” she reminded the audience, blending her celebration of artistic achievement with a poignant remembrance of a somber moment in American history.
