The MTV Video Music Awards were the usual circus tonight, but kind of tame. They were like a VR of the VMAs, artificial and harmless. The only tricky moment at the podium was John Travolta, looking like Barney the Purple Whale, dropping curse words. He’s so cool. (Oy.)
Lil Nas X won Best Song for his 19 week number 1 hit, “Old Town Road.” He picked up the award in an outfit so red he could go right into “Moulin Rouge” on Broadway. He’s pretty amusing, actually, unraveling a big scroll that he claimed would be his speech. But he just said, Thank you.
Taylor Swift, on a campaign to win over everyone, won Best Video for “You Better Calm Down.” The video won two awards, and Taylor brought her Rainbow Coalition to the stage. She hugged drag queens. She’s worked this demo beautifully. Taylor will be Governor of Pennsylvania in 15 years. Bet on it.
Best performance: Miley Cyrus appeared on the VMAs for the first time since her twerking scandal in 2013. This time, she showed a new maturity and sang the hell out of “Slide Away.” It was a stellar performance, showcasing her remarkable voice.
My personal fave: HER, aka Gabi Wilson. She couldn’t have been better. Expect big things from her in the coming year.
Much of the show still looks like it’s in a strip club. Most of the performances are lip synched. Nothing about the VMAs should be taken seriously. Just fun for an end of summer Monday night. Can’t hurt you.
WINNERS FOR THE 2019 MTV VMAS
MICHAEL JACKSON VIDEO VANGUARD AWARD
Missy Elliott
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Republic Records
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ariana Grande – Republic Records
SONG OF THE YEAR
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Columbia Records
BEST NEW ARTIST, presented by Taco Bell ®
Billie Eilish – Darkroom/Interscope Records
BEST COLLABORATION
Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita” – Island Records
PUSH ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Billie Eilish – Darkroom/Interscope Records
BEST POP
Jonas Brothers – “Sucker” – Republic Records
BEST HIP HOP
Cardi B – “Money” – Atlantic Records
BEST R&B
Normani ft. 6lack – “Waves” – Keep Cool/RCA Records
BEST K-POP
BTS ft. Halsey – “Boy With Luv” – Columbia Records
BEST LATIN
ROSALÍA & J Balvin ft. El Guincho – “Con Altura” – Columbia Records
BEST DANCE
The Chainsmokers, Bebe Rexha – “Call You Mine” – Disruptor/Columbia Records
BEST ROCK
Panic! At The Disco – “High Hopes” – Elektra Music Group
VIDEO FOR GOOD
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Republic Records
BEST DIRECTION
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Columbia Records – Directed by Calmatic
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Taylor Swift ft. Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco – “ME!” – Republic Records – Visual Effects by Loris Paillier & Lucas Salton for BUF VFX
BEST EDITING
Billie Eilish – “bad guy” – Darkroom/Interscope Records – Editing by Billie Eilish
BEST ART DIRECTION
Ariana Grande – “7 Rings” – Republic Records – Art Direction by John Richoux
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
ROSALÍA & J Balvin ft. El Guincho – “Con Altura” – Columbia Records – Choreography by Charm La’Donna
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita” – Island Records – Cinematography by Scott Cunningham
BEST GROUP
BTS
BEST POWER ANTHEM
Megan Thee Stallion ft. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign “Hot Girl Summer”
SONG OF THE SUMMER, presented by Samsung
Ariana Grande & Social House – “boyfriend”
