On September 12, 2023, Taylor Swift made history and tied the record for the most wins in one night, while also attaining the second-most wins overall, with 23, at this year’s Video Music Awards at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. She took home nine out of the eleven VMAs that she was nominated for. She won Artist of the Year, Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop, Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, and Best Editing all for “Anti-Hero”, and Best Collaboration for “I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version).”
The VMAs, short for Video Music Awards, is the annual awards show that celebrates the best music videos in the industry. It is organized by MTV, a popular music television network. The VMAs have been a significant event in the music industry since its inception in 1984.
The awards show features various categories: Video of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Collaboration, and many more. These categories recognize outstanding achievements in music videos across different genres.
The VMAs also showcase live performances from some of the biggest names in the music industry. Artists like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Justin Timberlake have graced the VMAs stage with electrifying performances that have become iconic moments in music history.
In addition to the awards and performances, the VMAs are known for their memorable, and sometimes controversial, moments. From unexpected appearances to jaw-dropping fashion choices, the VMAs always manage to create buzz and generate conversations among music fans worldwide.
The VMAs play a significant role in shaping the music industry and influencing popular culture. Winning a VMA can bring recognition and exposure to artists, propelling their careers to new heights. The awards show has become a platform for artists to showcase their creativity, push boundaries, and make a lasting impact on the music video landscape.
Overall, the VMAs are a highly anticipated event that brings together music, fashion, and entertainment in a spectacular way. It celebrates the artistry and innovation behind music videos while providing a stage for artists to shine and connect with their fans on a global scale.
Taylor Swift is, well, Taylor Swift, but that doesn’t stop her from fangirling over her peers and presenters. Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone, Lance Bass, Chris Kirkpatrick, and JC Chasez, all former members of NSYNC, came on stage together to present to Taylor the award for Best Pop, and she was fangirling hard. She had a similar reaction to Nelly Furtado and Timberland presenting her the award for Song of the Year, and joked, “I’m very millennial-triggered by my choice of presenters tonight.”
Taylor was also beyond star-struck and completely enamored with all of the performances, so much so that during Doja Cat’s “Paint the Town Red,” she said it was “giving cinematography” and during Shakira’s mashup of her biggest hits, Taylor’s hips really couldn’t lie. Then her close friend, Selena Gomez, won Best Afrobeats and Taylor just couldn’t compose herself; she was jumping up and down with such enthusiasm.
At one point in the night, Taylor posted to rapper Ice Spice’s Instagram story, a video of her saying “POV, you’re in front of Ice Spice at the VMAs,” while she admired her “Karma” remix partner further.
Taylor was feeling good and doing fabulous. Not only did Taylor win nine VMAs, but she surpassed Madonna, the “Queen of Pop ” and the face of the most risqué VMA moments ever recorded, by a sheer three VMAs. Although she is still the second runner up, behind Beyoncé, the “Queen Bey” for the most VMAs, her influence is undeniable.
A country singer to sensational pop star, she became one of the biggest names in the music industry. Ms. Swift took the charts with her debut album, Taylor Swift and Fearless, winning her countless awards, and even her first Grammy. Switching to pop and indie-folk, Taylor gained a larger and more diverse audience. She became one of the highest grossing female artists in the 2010s. Her exceptional songwriting skills tackle relationships, love, empowerment, and growth. This allows her to have a stronger and deeper connection with her fan base.
Taylor described to the Los Angeles Times, “I am so so happy because this is validating my favorite part of what I get to do… And it always starts with a very isolated emotion, like a very, very specific type of insecurity or self-loathing that I feel like I’m the only one who is feeling in that moment.”
