A Colombian video vanguard, a paper boy turned global icon and America’s favorite antihero walked into a New Jersey arena on Tuesday night. An epic MTV Video Music Awards ensued.
The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards went off mostly without a hitch Tuesday night — well, except for Olivia Rodrigo’s set collapsing during her performance and a rambunctious meeting backstage between Justin Timberlake and Megan Thee Stallion. Shakira gave a stellar performance that she said aimed to synthesize her career in 10 minutes and graciously accepted the Video Vanguard award.
Bebe Rexha made an appearance despite hinting that she might skip the event, and stormed the stage in a black gown with cutouts showing her backside. Diddy made his Global Icon honor and performance into a family affair, and the 50th anniversary of hip-hop was celebrated with a mashup performance by Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Doug E. Fresh, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, LL Cool J, Lil Wayne and VMA host Nicki Minaj.
The annual ceremony returned to New Jersey for the second year in a row for a night of stunning performances, moving acceptance speeches and viral moments. Here are the takeaways.