2019 VMAs: Good Time Had By All
• The home of the New Jersey Devils was even rowdier last night, if such a feat is possible, as the 2019 MTV VMAs took up temporary residence at the Prudential Center in scenic Newark, NJ. It was only fitting that Taylor Swift, still basking in the white-hot glow of nearly 575,000 in first-week sales of her new Republic Records album, Lover, opened the show with a mini-medley of “You Need to Calm Down,” followed by “Lover,” played on an acoustic guitar. Taylor went on to win “Video Of The Year” and “Video for Good” for “You Need to Calm Down.”
Ariana Grande was named Artist of the Year, and she also won awards for Best Direction for “thank you, next,” directed by Hannah Lux Davis, Best Art Direction for “7 Rings,” Art Direction by John Richoux, and Song of the Summer for her collaboration with Social House, “boyfriend.”
The VMA for Song of the Year went to Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus, “Old Town Road (Remix)” (Columbia Records). The sensational Billie Eilish (Darkroom/Interscope Records) was named Best New Artist and Push Artist of the Year and she also took home the Best Editing trophy for her work on “Bad Guy.”
Other VMA Highlights: Best Collaboration: Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello, “Señorita” (Island Records); Best Pop: Jonas Brothers for “Sucker” (Republic Records), which they performed at the iconic Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ.; 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). BTS also won for Best Group; Best Latin: ROSALÍA & J Balvin ft. El Guincho, “Con Altura” (Columbia Records); Best Dance: The Chainsmokers ft. Bebe Rexha, “Call You Mine” (Disruptor/Columbia Records); Best Rock: Panic! At The Disco, “High Hopes” (Elektra Music Group).
Memorable moments: The legendary Missy Elliott was presented with the prestigious “Video Vanguard Award;” Miley Cyrus debuted her incredibly personal new single, “Slide Away,” Taylor spoke out forcefully on behalf of the Equality Act, and we absolutely loved Lizzo‘s joyous performance of “Good As Hell” that generated a rapturous reaction. The complete list of winners is posted at mtv.com.
