Jam-packed! The 2022 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) had plenty of live performances, spunky co-hosts and history with big wins, exciting announcements and even bigger performances.
The night started with the opening performance of the night from co-host Jack Harlow and his surprise guest Fergie. The duo performed Harlow’s hit single “First Class,” which includes a sample from the song “Glamorous,” sung by pop icon Fergie. She had not performed in four years, so her appearance may have surprised many.
Harlow later expressed how Fergie and her music were a big inspiration for his work.
“I grew up loving Fergie — like she literally inspired me,” Harlow said.
Later on that night, Taylor Swift made history for being the first artist in history to win “Video of the Year” three times, along with other awards, including “Best Long Form Video” and “Best Direction.”
During her acceptance speech, she shocked everyone with a surprise album announcement, which was that “Midnights,” her new album, is set to release on Oct. 21. The announcement was a shock because there was no knowledge of her working on anything new since her release of “Folklore” and “Evermore” in 2020.
More history was made this night by none other than Bad Bunny. The release of his album “Un Verano Sin Ti” gained him the title of “Artist of the Year.” This makes him the first non-English speaking artist to win this award. The Reggaeton sensation took it further by performing his hit song “Titi Me Pregunto” live from the Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York, which has never been done before.
Aside from such big announcements and accomplishments, there were a few negative moments at the VMAs. Live performances by K-Pop group Black Pink, rapper Flo Milli and Latin Artist Anitta were all accused of using lip-syncing in their performances. Fans of these artists were disappointed that choreography seemed to be prioritized over the vocal ability of the artists.
Another thing that seemed to rattle the audience was the cameo appearance by Johnny Depp. Green screen footage of his face in the helmet of the MTV moon man left many questioning why he was in there.
Aside from such a famous actor being present at an award show meant for the musically inclined, the form in which he appeared was just bizarre. Depp also recognized its oddness by poking fun at the matter later on social media, claiming he is available for “birthdays and kids’ parties.”
Besides Depp’s new look as a silver-clad astronaut, the night’s other celebrities made their mark on the red carpet, as well.
When it comes to a red carpet event, most celebrities take advantage of the moment to make their mark. While many got the memo of edgy, dark high fashion pieces like Maneskin, Lil Nas X and even Black Pink, others opted for a colorful look in a more comfortable silhouette. Snoop Dogg stayed casual in an army green matching leather sweat set and Lauren Spencer-Smith sported her monochromatic neon green oversized look.
Now for a full-fledged review on the VMAs — the wins, performances and the red carpet attire.
My favorite performance this year was from the Puerto Rican heartthrob himself, Bad Bunny. His performance at Yankee stadium was vibrant and had the whole crowd interacting with him.
My best-dressed list includes Swift in Oscar de la Renta, Dove Cameron in Paco Rabanne and Conan Grey in Harris Reed.
Regarding wins, the most important, in my opinion, was Swift’s win in the “Video of the Year” category. Her win was granted to her based on the nearly 15-minute music video for her song “All Too Well.” The video was filmed artistically and perfectly depicted the frustrations of a relationship, especially one where the age gap is significant.
This year’s VMAs was one for the books with big wins and even bigger announcements.
While the VMAs is not one of the top award shows that I look forward to every year like the Oscars, it is comforting to know that the VMAs stay true to the annual shock factor they always provide.
MTV always knows how to bring drama. Whether Kanye interrupts Taylor or Britney and her Python, the VMAs stays memorable, just as they were this year.
