Summer is over and so is the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). It was held last Aug. 28 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Newark? You’re asking. Why not? Viewers do not really care where awards shows are coming from. Besides, there is no rule, written or otherwise, that says that awards shows in the U.S. of A. can only be held in New York or Los Angeles.
In this case, Newark did very well. The VMAs got a very good turnout, both live and otherwise with the cross-platform broadcast drawing its best ratings ever. Of course, it is also a fact that the VMAs has this reputation for being a fun event and this time, both the performers and the audience from everywhere had fun.
For one, the Moonperson or in this case, the Moonman finally got a voice and a face. And it is Johnny Depp. Now, Depp had been in the headlines for months because of his, I believe, truly exhausting, mentally-draining battle with his ex-wife Amber Heard. But that is all over now and he is recovering nicely. Truth is, as the first Moonman, he advertised that he is now open for gigs of all sorts.
Then, I like it that the VMAs put up a diverse, multi-racial show. The Latino revenge was in full blast. Bad Bunny bested Drake, Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, Lil Nas X and Lizzo to become the first Latino Artist of the Year. Rosalia and Anitta also brought home trophies. K-pop was well-represented with winners in Blackpink, Lisa, SEVENTEEN and the still ever-present but supposedly on a break BTS. And Maneskin, that hot band from Italy won as Best Alternative.
Fergie was there. How long has it been since we last saw the Black Eyed Peas’ lovely girl singer? It has been ages. Goosebumps when she came out. She certainly looked great performing her Glamorous with the year’s Summer Song, First Class by Jack Harlow. But it was too short. Too short.
Speaking of Harlow, the rapper bagged three VMA Moonmen that evening, all of them with the loudly sparkling Lil Nas X. Best Collaboration, Best Direction and Best Visual Effects. He also had the enviable gig of being part of the trio of cross-generational hosts of the evening with actor and rapper LL Cool J and Queen of Hip-Hop Nicki Minaj.
Minaj was the Belle of the Ball with her Best Hip-Hop win for Do We Have a Problem featuring Lil Baby and being named this year’s Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award Recipient. Why Nicki? Watching her perform her medley of hits showed that she does deserve it.
Providing strong competition was Lil Nas X. No, I do not mean getting the Vanguard or in the number of hits. I am sure that the Montero rapper will also get those one day. But not yet. What I mean is in the glamor department. In the evening’s WOW! Moment. Lil Nas X arrived on the red carpet wearing what looked like a massive eyelash as a costume. Then, true to form as the brand ambassador for YSL makeup, Lil Nas X was sporting attention-grabbing blue eyeliner all-a-glitter with sequins.
Taylor Swift came and won. Video of the Year, Best Long Form Video and Best Direction all for her work in All Too Well (Taylor’s Version). How true is it that the film was inspired by her romance with actor Jake Gyllenhal? Then, in an unexpected moment, she dropped the news that she will be releasing a new album. Titled Midnights, it will be available on Oct. 21.
Now just one more thing. Am just curious as to why a lot of people, animated and otherwise onstage were twerking their butts from Nicki Minaj to Anitta and others?