The MTV VMAs never fail to bring something wild and unexpected. Over the years, it always delivered iconic moments, epic performances, and jaw-dropping surprises—and the 2024 VMAs totally kept that streak alive. Let’s break down the highlights that made the 2024 VMAs a night to remember.

Mind-blowing performances

The 2024 VMA performances were straight-up fire. Chappel Roan literally set the stage on fire during her medieval-themed performance of “Good Luck, Babe!”.

Benson Boone did some gymnastic flips before hitting high notes during his performance of the song “Beautiful Things.” Sabrina Carpenter took the audience to another galaxy as she performed a medley of her “Short n’ Sweet” singles. She even had astronauts and an alien whom she made out with during her performance of the song “Taste.”

Unexpected and not-so-unexpected wins

This year, Taylor Swift snagged seven awards at the VMAs—no shocker there for fans. But she still made history by smashing Beyoncé’s record for having a total of 30 Moon Persons as a solo artist.

Other major wins include Chappell Roan for Best New Artist, Sabrina Carpenter's “Espresso” for Song of the Year, Eminem’s “Houdini” for Best Hip-Hop, Lisa’s “Rockstar” for Best K-pop, Tyla’s “Water” for Best Afrobeats, and Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” for Best Alternative.

Plus, there was this touching moment when gymnast Jordan Chiles, who was stripped of her medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, received her very own bronze clock medal from Flavor Flav while presenting for the Best Collaboration Award. 

Fashion statements that slayed the red carpet

The 2024 VMA red carpet was a runway of wild and unforgettable looks. Some iconic looks include Lil Nas X who walked the carpet wearing a Pink Power Ranger suit.

Chappell Roan turned heads in a medieval Y/Project robe and even carried a sword. Taylor Swift also served serious girl boss energy in her plaid Dior dress with matching gloves and Stuart Weitzman boots.

Another memorable outfit change was when Megan Thee Stallion, who was hosting, came on stage wearing an outfit that paid homage to Britney Spears’ iconic look in her 2001 performance of  “I’m a Slave 4 U.”  Megan slayed the whole look with a live python draped around her body.

Impactful acceptance speeches

Beyond the epic performances and iconic fashion statements, the acceptance speeches are what spice up any awards show, and the 2024 VMAs had some memorable ones.

Taylor Swift made waves by thanking her “boyfriend, Travis” during her Video of the Year speech. Still, she also used that moment to encourage her fans who are over 18 years old to register to vote for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

She also honored those who lost their lives and loved ones in 9/11 during her acceptance speech for the Best Collaboration award. 

Another unforgettable moment was when Chappell Roan, who read her speech straight from her diary, gave a shoutout to the drag artists that inspired her and dedicated her Best New Artist award to the queer and trans community.