Marrakech – The 40th MTV Video Music Awards was nothing short of a spectacular celebration, honoring today’s biggest names in the music industry while paying homage to the show’s rich history. 

Broadcast live from the UBS Arena in New York, the event delivered several hours of unforgettable performances and star-studded presentations, leaving fans buzzing well into the night.

The lineup was as impressive as it was diverse. Pop sensations like Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan took to the stage, while rap legend LL Cool J brought some serious old-school flavor. 

Host Megan Thee Stallion not only kept the energy high but also served up a series of show-stopping outfit changes, one of which had her channeling Britney Spears’ iconic snake performance from the 2001 VMAs. 

While the snake may have made an appearance, Megan made sure to keep the spotlight squarely on herself — and quickly ditched the reptile after her tribute.

Speaking of tributes, the night was peppered with flashbacks to some of the VMAs’ most memorable moments. 

From Madonna’s 1984 “Like a Virgin” performance to Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley’s infamous onstage kiss in 1994, and Miley Cyrus’ twerking scandal with Robin Thicke in 2013, nostalgia was definitely in the air. 

Even Eminem joined in on the flashback fun, kicking off the night with a medley of hits, flanked by a sea of Slim Shady look-alikes that called back to his 2000 performance. 

And with two new VMAs to his name, the rapper’s total haul of 15 trophies makes him the male artist with the most wins in the show’s history.

But Taylor Swift was the undisputed queen of the night, walking away with seven awards, including the coveted Video of the Year for “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone. 

Read also:

Swift’s win marked the third year in a row she’s taken home the top honor, following her victories for “Anti-Her” in 2023 and “All Too Well” (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) in 2022. 

With 30 VMAs to her name, she is now tied with Beyonce for the most VMAs won by an artist.

The night also belonged to Chappell Roan, the 26-year-old pop star whose meteoric rise earned her the Best New Artist award. 

In an emotional acceptance speech, Roan dedicated her win to the drag performers who inspire her, reading straight from her diary. 

Sabrina Carpenter, another pop darling of the night, accepted the award for her hit “Espresso,” thanking everyone from her family to her fans, and even slipping in a nod to her famous lyrics, “That me espresso.”

Katy Perry reminded the audience why she remains a pop force to be reckoned with, delivering an epic nearly 10-minute mashup of her greatest hits. 

Suspended midair one minute and dancing atop a piano the next, Perry wowed the crowd with renditions of “Teenage Dream,” “I Kissed A Girl,” and “Firework.”

She later accepted the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, recognizing her outstanding lifetime achievements in the music industry.

As the night drew to a close, LL Cool J took the stage to honor 40 years of Def Jam Recordings. 

Joined by Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav and Chuck D, the rap pioneer had the crowd on its feet with a medley of hits, including “Going Back to Cali” and “Bring The Noise.”

With memorable performances, heartfelt speeches, and a nod to music history, the 40th MTV VMAs delivered an unforgettable night that celebrated not just the stars of today but the legacy of the awards show itself.