By: Jess Boozel
SUTV News
From Nicki Minaj to Taylor Swift to Johnny Depp to Yung Gravy, here is a summary of some of the most notable moments from the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards. Jack Harlow opened the show by performing “First Class” and followed to present Fergie who came out to sing “Glamorous.” Music listeners know that Harlow’s song samples Fergie’s song, so seeing them perform together was, as one would say, glamorous.
And you know those sleepless nights when your mind just keeps wandering or worrying or wallowing. We all know what it's like and so does Taylor Swift. While accepting the award for Video of the Year Taylor Swift announced the release of her new album “Midnights.” She says in this album she'll share the stories of 13 sleepless nights scattered throughout her life. The award-winning artist tweeted the news not long after she made the big announcement. The new album will be her first full-length set of new material since last year's evermore. It's due out October 21st.
Another thing that happened at the VMAs that most people didn’t expect was that Johnny Depp virtually made his first public appearance since his controversial defamation trail against amber heard. He welcomed viewers back after two commercial breaks with a pre-recorded video of his face projected onto the helmet of a large version of a moon person. In a pre-taped clip posted to Instagram, Depp said, “I just want you guys to know that I’m available for birthdays, bar mitzvahs, weddings, wakes, any old thing you need.”
Blackpink and Nicki Minaj also both had memorable worthy performances.
Blackpink performed their new single “Pink Venom.” This was the groups’ first U.S. awards show performance. This allowed them to showcase both their savvy dance skills… as well as each member’s individual talents. Nicki Minaj showed that she earned the video vanguard award. She performed a mix of her best songs such as “anaconda,” “monster,” “super bass,” and her most recent song “super freaky girl.” Also, during her acceptance speech for her award, she paid tribute to artists who have inspired her such as Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Lil Wayne, Foxy Brown, Lauryn Hill, and Jay-Z. She also thanked some of her collaborators like Kayne west, Beyonce, Madonna, Eminem, Britney spears, and Rihanna.
Some other award winners of the night were Bad Bunny, for Artist of the Year; Billie Elish with “Happier Than Ever” for Song of the Year; Dove Cameron for Best New Artist; and Lil Nas x and Jack Harlow with “Industry baby” for Best Collaboration.
To add a little a drama to the night, Rapper Yung Gravy drew attention to himself by bringing TikTok star Addison Rae’s mother, Sheri Sterling, as his date. The two were seen displaying major PDA all night.
It’s safe to say this year’s VMAs displayed some glamorous performances, had some surprises, and some drama that made sure no one there or watching at home was snoring before midnight.