Taylor Swift, a record breaker and pop music pioneer took her place in music history during the MTV Video Music Awards this year! The record-breaking performance saw Swift take home seven trophies for a total of 30 VMAs throughout her career, tying her with Beyoncé as the most-awarded artist in the show’s history.
One of the biggest moments of the night came when Swift won “Video of the Year” for her song “Fortnight,” featuring Post Malone. This is the third year in a row she has taken home the award, which is huge for her career! Swift previously won in the same category for “Anti-Hero” in 2023, and “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)” in 2022. No artist has ever taken this award for three consecutive years, and with the latest win, Swift now has five “Video of the Year” trophies-more than any other artist in VMA history.
This streak of Video of the Year wins for Swift represents her incredible ability to put together visually captivating music videos that both fans and critics alike enjoy. Much like her music, these have turned into cultural moments; with her storytelling, they became mini-movies that captivated the world.
In addition to that, Swift won “Video of the Year”, she made history with another mark by becoming the first-ever artist to win “Artist of the Year” two years consecutively. Competitors like SZA, Ariana Grande, and Bad Bunny were likely competition, but Swift’s contribution to music and culture proved unbeatable once more. Having always topped album sales, streaming numbers, and live shows, she secured a place.
The success of Swift at the 2024 VMAs didn’t stop there. She also took home “Best Pop Video” and “Best Collaboration” for “Fortnight,” then received several technical awards including “Best Direction”. These wins just drive home Swift’s talent as a performer but also as a visual storyteller.
The most talked-about release this year was her collaboration with Post Malone, “Fortnight”. As soon as their two styles merged in the song, this song became a sudden hit!
Swift also sprinkled in many thank-yous to her multitudes of fans, referred to as “Swifties,” in most acceptance speeches throughout the night, often crediting them with her career’s success. Swift even made a point to take a moment to acknowledge the victims of 9/11 on such a tender date. Katie Ruoo (12), a Swifty student at YLHS, exclaims that “it’s so inspiring when an artist can make lyrically incredible music and also know how to speak to her fans so well.”
The other most surprising moment of the night came when Swift, in her final speech, made one of her rarest public references to her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. She thanked Kelce for his support during the making of the “Fortnight” music video, drawing roaring applause from the crowd. It was another headline-maker on top of this intriguing night.
Swift’s record-shattering night in the 2024 VMAs was greater than an event in an awards show; it was about durability relevant to an industry where longevity is very difficult to sustain. The 30 trophies she now has place her in a class by herself and tie Beyoncé’s record as the most awarded artist in VMA history.
But what really sets Swift apart is how deeply personal an art it is for her. From writing and producing her own music to directing her own videos, Swift has managed to keep a very hands-on approach that has connected with her fans for years. To be able to move with the times and still stay true to herself and her creative vision has been the cornerstone of her success.
By the end of the night, the 2024 VMAs truly belonged to Taylor Swift. The record-shattering wins, moving speeches, and personal moments completely reinstated her as one of the most prevailing musicians of her time. Swift’s lead in the music world is getting bigger, and this year’s VMAs will be in history books as part of the defining moments in her incredible career.
For Taylor Swift, the night was not all about taking home trophies but an affirmation of her relationship with fans and a great presence in popular culture. With further history-making moments yet to come, it’s clear that Taylor Swift’s legacy is far from over.
