The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) is an anticipated night for both pop music lovers and artists. The 2017 MTV Video Music Awards were held on August 27 at The Forum in Inglewood, California. Honouring music videos released between June 25, 2016 and June 23, 2017, the 34th annual award show, which is often referred as the “Super Bowl for youth» was hosted by Katy Perry.
A politically charged VMA night
Aside from the mind-blowing performances by the leading pop artists, this year’s VMAs were also dominated by political statements at a fiery show in Los Angeles on Sunday night as artists were seen to be vocal against white supremacy and urged suicide awareness throughout the show.
Days after US President Donald Trump signed a directive to ban them, transgender military personnel also attended the grandiose ceremony. To make their stance against hatred and white supremacy clearer, the mother of Heather Heyer, killed during a protest against a far-right march, was seen presenting an award.
A night of Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar, who kicked off the night, set the stage ablaze with his audacious, high-energy set performance, followed by some adrenaline- pumping stunts. The rapper, who led the night with eight nominations, won for best video, best hip-hop video, best art direction, best visual effects, best cinematography and best direction.
Taylor Swift hits back against haters
While Taylor Swift took home the evening’s Best Collaboration honor, she also had the privilege of debuting her new music video in the show.
The highly anticipated video for her track “Look What You Made Me Do” premiered during the primetime awards show, only to provoke legions of commentary online and IRL.
The vengeful video of the singer has already garnered 4.5million views on Youtube since its VMA premiere early Sunday evening.
Outstanding performances
Katy Perry’s failure to capture the audience with her not-so-charming hosting skills was reimbursed by some absolutely outstanding performances by the participating artists. Fifth Harmony performed a medley of “Down” and “Angel” featuring Gucci Mane and won over the crowd, while Miley Cyrus performed “Younger now”. Other outstanding performances of the night included, Pink’s medley of “Get the party started,” “Raise your glass,” “So what,” “Just give me a reason,” “Perfect,” “What about us,” “Don’t let me get me” and “Blow me (one last kiss)”, Logic’s “1-800-273-8255” featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid, which promoted a suicide awareness among the audience.
The full list of winners:
Video of the Year: Kendrick Lamar - Humble
Artist of the Year: Ed Sheeran
Best collaboration: Zayn Malik and Taylor Swift - I Don’t Wanna Live Forever
Best New Artist: Khalid
Best Hip Hop: Kendrick Lamar - Humble
Best Dance: Zedd and Alessia Cara - Stay
Best Pop: Fifth Harmany feat. Gucci Mayne - Down
Best Fight Against the System: The Hamilton Mixtape - Immigrants (We Get the Job Done), Alessia Cara - Scars to Your Beautiful, John Legend - Surefire, Logic feat Damian Lemar Hudson - Black Spiderman, Big Sean - Light, Taboo feat. Shaliene Woodley - Stand up/ Stand N Rock #NoDapl
Best Direction: Dave Meyers and The Little Homies (for Kendrick Lamar - Humble)
Best Cinematography: Kendrick Lamar - Humble
Best Art Direction: Kendrick Lamar - Humble
Best Choreography: Kanye West - Fade
Song of the Summer: Lil Uzi Ver - XO Tour L1if3
Best Visual Effects: Katy Perry feat. Skip Marley - Chained to the Rhythm
Best Editing: Young Thug - Wyclef Jean
Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award - Pink
