The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards just passed on September 12 and were held on a Tuesday for the very first time. The ceremony was at the Prudential Center in New Jersey and was hosted by Nicki Minaj for the second year in a row. With a runtime of almost four hours, the VMAs celebrated many famous artists with awards and featured several show-stopping performances.   

There were a total of 26 awards this year, with the new addition of “Show of the Summer” won by Taylor Swift. With nine out of eleven nominations, she was the most nominated and won the greatest amount of awards that night. Her awards included “Song of the Year,” “Video of the Year,” “Artist of the Year,” “Best Cinematography,” “Best Pop,” “Best Direction,” “Best Visual Effects,” “Show of the Summer,” and “Album of the Year.” Most of these awards were from her single “Anti-Hero” and she has a total of 23 VMA awards, second only to Beyoncé.

Other big achievements of the night included Ice Spice for Best New Artist, Jung Kook and Latto for “Song of the Summer,” BLACKPINK for “Group of the Year,” and TOMORROW X TOGETHER for “Push Performance of the Year.” In addition, Shakira became the first South American to win the “Video Vanguard Award,” a very special award signified by its gold color, unlike the other silver awards. The Video Vanguard Award is presented to someone who has an immense impact on music videos and pop culture. Also, Sean “Diddy” Combs won the Global Icon Award which celebrates an artist who has unique global success and influence. 

Alongside the numerous awards, the 2023 VMAs featured over 20 performances. Some of the night’s main performances were from artists Lil Wayne, Doja Cat, Shakira, Nicki Minaj, Stray Kids, Karol G, and many more. Olivia Rodrigo performed her songs “Vampire” and “Get Him Back” with the unique, intentional concept of having the stage fall apart during her performance, which received shocked and concerned looks from the audience. This performance added an element of surprise and innovation to this year’s VMAs.

Peso Pluma, nominated for best new artist, performed his song “Lady Gaga” and made history by becoming the first Mexican artist to perform at the VMAs. Lastly, the ceremony was closed with an outstanding celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, which featured artists like Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Grandmaster Flash, and more. This year the VMAs featured many different artists and Cienna Olsen (10) states, “The performances this year at the VMAs felt unique and energetic, I loved seeing the diversity on stage.” All in all, the VMAs produced a massive show this year with many electrifying performances and well-deserved awards.