On Sunday night at 6pm, the 39th VMA show premiered for fans and music-lovers alike. The show celebrated the works of many artists, with amazing performances by Nicki Minaj, J Balvin, Lizzo, and more. The award show also celebrated many throwback artists, including Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and even Fergie, who sang alongside Jack Harlow for his performance of “First Class.” 

The night began with a performance from Brazilian artist Anitta, who performed her winning song “Envolver.” Her performance consisted of stunning visuals as well as astonishing choreography. The show then transitioned to Bad Bunny, BLACKPINK, and featured an animated performance by Eminem and Snoop Dogg. After J Balvin and Ryan Castro performed “Nivel De Perreo,” it was co host Jack Harlow’s time to take the stage. With a surprise guest visit from former Black Eyed Peas band member, Fergie, the duo put on a phenomenal performance. Finally, the show continued with performances from Kan Brown, Lizzo, Måneskin, Marshmallow and Khalid, and Panic! At the Disco.

The night proved to be huge for female rapper Nicki Minaj, who was awarded the 2022 VMA Video Vanguard Award. The Vanguard Award serves the purpose of recognizing artists for their impact on music video culture, and has only been awarded a handful of times throughout the VMA history. Once receiving the award, her acceptance speech thanked her colleagues, and fellow musicians, shouting out names such as Taylor Swift, Whitney Houston, and even Micheal Jackson. 

During Minaj’s performance, she sang a melody of her biggest songs from the last decade, as well as her new number one hit, “Super Freaky Girl.” Other songs included “Beez in the Trap,” “Super Bass,” “Chun-Li,” “Anaconda,” and “Moment 4 Life.” Her set consisted of many backup dancers, and colors similar to those of her style in the 2010s.

The night was also big for other artists, such as Taylor Swift. After winning the Video of the Year award for her music video “All Too Well (10 Minute Version),” she announced the release of her 10th studio album, “Midnights.” According to Swift, the album consists of “the stories of 13 sleepless nights scattered throughout [her] life.” The night was extremely successful for Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift, who both won very important awards.

Other artists also earned some big awards. Bad Bunny won the Artist of the Year award, Billie Eilish won Song of the Year award for “Happier Than Ever,” and Dove Cameron won the Best New Artist award. The Best Collaboration Award went out to Lil Nax X and Jack Harlow for their song “Industry Baby.” Harry Styles snubbed the Album of the Year award for his hit album “Harry’s House,” and Lizzo won the Video for Good award for her song “About Damn Time.”

Overall, the VMAs performances, surprise guests, and awards were a huge hit among viewers and fans. Although the VMAs may not be as grand as they were back in the 2000s, most of the starpower at this year’s show proved to be very entertaining.