Pop megastar Taylor Swift took home seven trophies on September 11 at MTV’s Video Music Awards, tying with Beyonce for the most lifetime honors in the history of the video accolades.
Swift captured the top prize, Video of the Year, for her poignant black-and-white video “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone. The video shows Swift in a bare psychiatric hospital, a setting which she said reflected her mental state while writing the music for The Tortured Poets Department album. “This video seems very sad when you watch it, but it actually was the most fun video to make,” Swift explained while accepting the VMAs Moon Person statuette. She credited Kansas City Chiefs football player Travis Kelce, who was there for support, saying, “Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic.”
Throughout the awards night, Swift expressed gratitude to her fans for their votes and encouraged them to participate in the upcoming US presidential election. Although she had endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris in an Instagram post on September 10, she refrained from mentioning any candidate by name during the ceremony.
The 34-year-old artist’s victory elevated her career VMA total to 30, matching hip-hop artist Beyonce. Among her awards, Swift also claimed Artist of the Year and Song of Summer. Notably, her Video of the Year award was her third consecutive win—following her triumphs with “All Too Well” in 2022 and “Anti-Hero” in 2023—and fifth overall, setting a record for a single artist.
Earlier in the show, “Fortnight” won Best Collaboration. Swift took the opportunity to praise Post Malone’s exceptional talent and politeness, humorously remarking on how long it took for him to stop calling her ‘ma’am.’ In turn, Malone commended Swift as one of the most kind and talented individuals he’s known, describing her directing prowess on the “Fortnight” set as ‘bad ass.’
The VMAs, which have been airing since 1984, are known for their unforgettable moments. At this year’s event, singer Chappell Roan was named Best New Artist and dedicated her award to the drag artists and LGBTQ community. Blackpink’s Lisa won Best K-pop Video for “Rockstar,” Tyla of South Africa claimed the Afrobeats award for “Water,” and Brazilian singer Anitta won Best Latin Video for “Mil Veces.”
Additionally, Eminem opened the show with “Houdini” from his latest album, and Katy Perry, who received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, performed hits while donning silver butterfly wings. Perry’s husband, Orlando Bloom, presented her with the trophy, to which Perry expressed her gratitude for MTV’s consistent support of her unique style.
Swift’s monumental achievements at the VMAs not only underscore her enduring talent and popularity but also mark a significant milestone in her illustrious career, tying her with Beyonce for the most lifetime VMA honors.
Source: Rappler