This past Wednesday, September 11, the 40th annual Video and Music Awards took place in New York and was watched nationwide. This year, Megan Thee Stallion hosted the VMAs for the first time and also performed during the show.
Along with Megan Thee Stallion, multiple artists took the stage. Eminem opened the show with a performance just a few weeks after he released his latest album, which has already earned a number-one spot on the Billboard 200. There were also performances by currently trending artists like Benson Boone, Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter. Returning artists like Katy Perry, Shawn Mendes and more also took the stage during the show.
Taylor Swift was the top nominee this year with twelve nominations, followed by Post Malone (11) and Eminem (8). Taylor Swift took home seven more moon men and became the most-awarded solo artist in VMA history. In addition to her record-breaking night, her song “Fortnight” (feat. Post Malone) awarded her the title of artist with the most video of the year wins.
After her growing popularity and new hit songs, Chappell Roan was deservedly awarded Best New Artist this year. Another new popular artist, Sabrina Carpenter, was awarded Song of the Year for her song “Espresso.” Although no significant events or announcements took place during the award show, it was a successful event for all viewers and artists.
(Original Photo Credit: Mike Coppola, Photo Edited by Addison Felix ’26)
Although many fan-favorite artists won awards, a few may have been snubbed. Ariana Grande came in with seven nominations and won one award, but Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX and GloRilla were all shut out of this year’s awards. Despite a few artists being snubbed, the competition continues to grow as more history is created each year and more record-breaking music is produced.
