From Lizzo to BLACKPINK to The Red Hot Chili Peppers, here are some of the highlights from the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards.
The 2022 MTV Video Music Awards was held in New Jersey on August 28, Sunday and was hosted by LL Cool J, Nicki Minaj, and Jack Harlow. This event is to honor the best music videos in the music industry and this year’s ceremony is as extraordinary as the ones in the past.
Lizzo’s clapback speech
Lizzo took home the Video for Good award and did a colorful performance of “About Damn Time’ and “2 Be Loved” and became one of the highlights of the show. However, during her acceptance speech, she used the opportunity to counter Aries Spears’ fat-shaming jokes towards her.
She first thanked the fans for helping her win and subtly changed the direction of her speech to deliver a voting rights message and added a response to cheers from the audience likely referencing Spears’ comments.
“So, remember when you’re voting for your favorite artists, vote to change some of these laws that are oppressing us,” she said.
“Now to the b****** that got something to say about me in the press, I’m not gonna say nothing. Why don’t you clap back? Because b****, I’m winning.” She added.
Congratulations, @Lizzo 💌
"About Damn Time" by Lizzo just won Video for Good at the 2022 #VMAs!" pic.twitter.com/CUvwWineyn
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) August 29, 2022
Taylor Swift’s Album Announcement
Taylor Swift bagged three awards this year, namely: Video of the Year, Best Longform Video, and Best Direction. Swift got the night’s top honor for her “All Too Well” (10-minute Taylor’s Version),” and during her speech, as she cradled her trophy, she dropped the huge news bomb that her 10th studio album will be available on October 21.
CONGRATULATIONS, @taylorswift13!!! 🥳️
"All Too Well" by Taylor Swift is our 2022 #VMA Video of the Year! pic.twitter.com/H7obWaYzej
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) August 29, 2022
BLACKPINK’s “Pink Venom” Comeback Performance
Global K-pop superstars BLACKPINK dazzled the stage dressed in matching black and pink crop tops and shorts with chunky boots for their first ever VMA performance and first comeback single “Pink Venom” in nearly two years to a crowd of screaming fans.
BLACKPINK’s LISA also bags an award for best K-Pop video with her ‘LALISA’ music video and fans have congratulated her through Twitter.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR VMA WIN LISA pic.twitter.com/ytQnSU1mXM
— helena (@skinhelena) August 30, 2022
Best moment of her life as a musician!
Congratulations Lisa!#LISA #LALISA #MONEY pic.twitter.com/UWBEp2Y1ZU— Petra (@Petra78551029) August 30, 2022
Congratulations LISA for making a history as the first Kpop soloist ever to win a VMAs! #LISA #LALISA #MONEY pic.twitter.com/EGRmL7KuQ1
— ㄥỉℓꪮ🦌 (@pinongatp) August 30, 2022
Congratulations LISA, proud of you!
LISA WINS BEST KPOP#LalisaVMAsWin #LISA #LALISA #MONEY
— naya 🐣 (@haycapricorn) August 30, 2022
The group also bagged an award for best “Metaverse” performance with their collaboration with PUBG Mobile titled “Ready for Love.” This is the first time this category has been put into the VMA awards lineup.
Nicki Minaj’s Epic Medley
Before accepting the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, a prestigious award given to the one who makes “outstanding contributions” and “profound impact” on music videos and pop culture, the five-time winner celebrated her return with a show-stopping medley of her biggest hits.
The rapper wore a pink wig and matching outfit as she performed snippets from tracks including “Monster,” “Beez in the Trap,” “Moment 4 Life,” and “Super Bass” all against a Barbie Dreamhouse backdrop, complete with several rooms and a slide. When it was time to perform “Super Freaky Girl,” Minaj leaned into the sexy nature of the song as she danced on a pole and with male dancers wearing leather outfits.
Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Rocking Performance and Taylor Hawkins Tribute
The iconic band has also returned to the stage in over 20 years as they received the Global Icon award. The band kicked things off with a performance of their recent single “Black Summer,” and then their 2003 megahit “Can’t Stop,” which got the crowd up on their feet.
After lead singer Anthony Kiedis shared their words of thanks, drummer Chad Smith took the mic and delivered a heartfelt tribute to the late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins who died in March at the age of 50.
Fergie’s Surprise Appearance in Jack Harlow’s ‘First Class’ Performance
Jack Harlow opened the show with a performance of his song “First Class,” wherein he was inside an airplane set. Dressed as a flight attendant, Harlow was joined by seated celebrities on both sides including Lil Nas X, Avril Lavigne, Chloe Bailey, Jimmy Fallon, and Becky G.
The 24-year-old singer then surprised the crowd when he brought out Fergie. Donning a metallic silver skirt and a top with “First Class” printed with a red stamp font, the former Black Eyed Peas member sang part of her 2006 smash hit “Glamorous,” which was sampled in Harlow’s song.
Addison Rae’s mom and Yung Gravy kissing at the VMAs
TikTok star Addison Rae’s mother, Sheri Easterling, attended the 2022 VMAs with 26-year-old rapper Yung Gravy, and that’s not all — the two were caught kissing at the event. In an interview before the event started, Yung Gravy even called Easterling a MILF, and shared how they just “connected right away” after meeting online.
“I’m into MILFs, and [Sheri Easterling] is kind of the queen of MILFs, so I figured it was just a perfect match,” Yung Gravy said during an interview.
Easterling, 42 years old, recently split from her ex-husband Monty Lopez after Lopez was accused of cheating on her with younger women.
For the full list of winners, check here.
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