Taylor Swift etched her name into MTV Video Music Award history at the 2023 ceremony, becoming the most awarded solo artist in the event’s history. Held at the UBS Arena in Long Island, New York on September 11th, the awards saw Swift claim a remarkable seven awards, including the coveted Video of the Year, bringing her total VMA wins to an impressive 30. Notably, Beyoncé also boasts 30 VMA wins, but with 25 as a solo artist and 5 as part of Destiny’s Child.
The ceremony kicked off with a high-energy performance by Eminem, showcasing his latest tracks “Houdini” and “Somebody Save Me” from his new album. Dressed in a signature Slim Shady blonde wig and accompanied by a horde of identically-clad dancers, Eminem recreated his iconic 2000 VMA performance of “The Real Slim Shady,” sending the audience into a frenzy.
Host Megan Thee Stallion’s stage featured a unique collaboration with Japanese rapper Yuki Chiba, who brought his unique style to a performance of his song “Mamushi.” This marked the first time a Japanese artist had graced the VMA stage.
This year’s Video Vanguard Award, honoring lifetime achievements in the music video world, was bestowed upon Katy Perry, who delivered a heartfelt performance of a medley of her biggest hits.
Other notable VMA wins included Chaperone’s triumph for Best New Artist, Anitta’s “Mil Veces” securing Best Latin Award, Eminem’s “Houdini” taking home Best Hip-Hop Award, and the first VMA wins for Tayla with “Water” for Best Afrobeats Award and Sabrina Carpenter with “Espresso” for Best Song.
K-Pop’s global momentum continued, with Lisa of Blackpink receiving Best K-Pop Award for her song “Rockstar,” Seventeen winning Best Group Award, and Le Sserafim’s “Easy” earning the Best MTV Push Performance Award.
Here are the highlights of the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards:
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Video of the Year:
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”*
Artist of the Year:
Taylor Swift*
Song of the Year:
Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”*
Best New Artist:
Chaperone*
Best Summer Song:
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”*
Best MTV Push Performance:
Le Sserafim – “Easy”*
Best Collaboration:
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”*
Best Pop:
Taylor Swift*
Best Hip-Hop:
Eminem – “Houdini”*
Best R&B:
SZA – “Snooze”*
Best Alternative:
Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things”*
Best Rock:
Lenny Kravitz – “Human”*
Best Latin:
Anitta – “Mil Veces”*
Best Afrobeats:
Tayla – “Water”*
Best K-Pop:
Lisa – “Rockstar”*
Video for Good:
Billie Eilish – “What Was I Made For?”*
