The 2024 VMAs performance lineup was incredible!
It seems nearly impossible to get so many big names in the same room, but somehow they pulled it off. We were treated to amazing performances from Lenny Kravitz, LL Cool J, Eminem, Megan Thee Stallion, Chappell Roan, Halsey, Sabrina Carpenter, Lisa, and more!
Cue the nostalgia! Lenny Kravitz and LL Cool J always bring the energy. Lenny Kravitz performed a medley of his hits, “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” “Human,” and “Fly,” which featured Quavo. If there’s one word to describe Lenny’s performance, it’s electrifying. He doesn’t perform often anymore, but each performance gives us something new and exciting.
LL Cool J performed some of his most well-known songs, including “Headstrong” and “Going Back To Cali.” He also surprised the audience by bringing out Public Enemy. His set included audience interaction, gymnasts, and breakdancers. It really made you feel like you were at one of his concerts.
When MTV announced that Eminem would take the stage at the 2024 VMAs, people were shocked. He did just release an album and has done a few performances, but he is another artist who doesn’t do many music award shows anymore.
You never know what to expect from an Eminem show, but he always delivers. During his performance of “Houdini,” he took the stage with a crowd of lookalikes. If you thought this seemed familiar, you’re right– he did the same thing for his 2000 VMAs performance.
“Somebody Save Me,” featuring Jelly Roll, was the second song he played. This song is slow and melodic. The lyrics speak about Eminem’s relationship with his family during his past drug addiction.
Megan Thee Stallion has one of the biggest songs right now– “Mamushi”. If you’re on Tiktok, chances are you’ve seen the dance challenge. She performed BOA and B.A.S. plus songs from her new album. Yuki Chiba, her collaborator on “Mamushi,” came all the way from Japan to perform at the VMAs.
If you haven’t heard “Good, Luck Babe!” by Chappell Roan, you must be living under a rock. The song has been dominating social media all summer! Chappell may have only performed one song, but it was impactful. She opened the performance by shooting a flaming arrow towards a castle and She and her backup dancers were dressed in full suits of armor, accompanied by swords. She truly told a story through her performance, set, and costume choices.
Halsey performed “Ego,” a pre-release single from her upcoming album The Great Impersonator. This album will explore different versions of Halsey. The lyrics tell the story of an internal battle with yourself, which is a feeling that resonates with many people. She gathered a few of her friends, Victoria De Angelis from Måneskin on bass, Jazzelle Zanaughtti on the keyboard, and Maya Stepansky playing the drums, to act as the band for this show, which was a welcomed surprise.
2024 is Sabrina Carpenter’s year. Her VMA performance was out of this world, literally. She sang “Please, Please, Please,” “Taste,” and “Espresso” while dancing around the outer space-themed stage with an alien and astronauts. She had the whole arena singing and dancing along with her.
You may know Lisa as a member of the K-Pop group Blackpink, but she’s making a name for herself. She is the first K-Pop soloist to perform at the VMAs, which is an amazing feat, especially since it is also her first solo performance. She went all out performing “Rockstar” and “New Woman (feat. Rosalia).” Since Rosalia wasn’t present at the show, Lisa took that opportunity to show her dancing abilities.
The Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, also known as The Video Vanguard Award, celebrates recording artists and music video directors who are exceptional at their craft. This year’s honoree was Katy Perry. She gave a career-spanning performance which included “I Kissed A Girl,” “Roar,” and “E.T.”.
We can’t wait to see who performs next year!
