Hey everyone, welcome! Last night, the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards lit up our screens with unforgettable moments. Black girl magic was in full force with powerhouse performances from Normani, Liz O, and Missy Elliott stealing the show. But before we delve into that, let’s kick off with the opening act.
Taylor Swift graced the stage with her hits “You Need to Calm Down” and “Lover.” Her performance was undeniably captivating, especially with the charm of “Lover.” Swift’s success didn’t end there; she scooped up several awards, including the coveted Video of the Year for “You Need to Calm Down.”
Meanwhile, Lil Nas X wowed the audience with his electrifying rendition of “Panini,” showcasing slick choreography and futuristic visuals. His performance was a testament to his rising star power. And let’s not forget, he rightfully clinched Song of the Year for the iconic “Old Town Road.” Hats off to Lil Nas X; his triumph is truly well-deserved!
The following act that truly commanded the stage for me was Liz O. As soon as Liz O made her entrance, she belted out her smash hit “Truth Hurts” and also treated the audience to one of her earlier tracks, “Good as Hell.” Liz O delivered an outstanding performance, as she always does. She danced, she rapped, and she even delivered a powerful sermon-like segment, captivating the audience with her energy. Her transition into singing caught me off guard; I hadn’t realized Liz O possessed such vocal prowess. For the longest time, I had labeled her solely as a rapper, but she proved me wrong with her impressive vocal range. Liz O is truly exceptional, and I believe she’s one of the highlights of the music scene in 2019.
Moving on to Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello’s joint performance, it had been eagerly anticipated all night. Personally, I’m not a fan of the duo due to their problematic past and offensive remarks. Setting aside their controversies, I’ll focus solely on their performance. It was undeniably charming, though I can’t help but notice the transparent attempt to use their supposed relationship for publicity. However, if we stick to discussing the performance itself, it was indeed cute.
Now, let’s shift our attention to another talented artist, Rosalía. Hailing from the Latin music scene, Rosalía shared the stage with fellow Latin artist Ozuna. I must say, I was captivated by her voice, particularly during the opening moments of her performance. Her vocals resonated beautifully, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Let’s discuss one of the standout performances of the evening—Normani’s. Normani absolutely owned the stage with her rendition of “Motivation.” Despite some initial sound hiccups courtesy of MTV, she powered through flawlessly. While the decision to have another artist perform just before her felt a bit disjointed in terms of energy, Normani rose above it all. Her energy was electrifying from start to finish, showcasing her incredible dance skills. Among the many memorable moments, her solo dance sequence stole the show, highlighting her gymnastic prowess with jaw-dropping moves like handstands seamlessly transitioning into splits. Her pink ensemble and braided hairstyle added an extra layer of charm to her performance. Moreover, kudos to her for clinching the Best R&B Video award for “Waves” featuring Black. Normani’s genuine gratitude expressed on Instagram Live, coupled with her determination to return and dominate the VMAs, speaks volumes about her passion and dedication. And now, onto the next performance—Missy Elliott’s, a name that needs no introduction.
Missy Elliott stole the spotlight with her electrifying performance, undoubtedly the highlight of the night. Honored with the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award, she proved deserving of every accolade, having consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation in her music videos throughout her career.
Her stage presence was nothing short of mesmerizing, with a jaw-dropping display of visuals that captivated the audience from start to finish. Opening her set with her latest hit, “Throw It Back,” she immediately set the stage on fire. Paying homage to her iconic “I Can’t Stand the Rain” video with a revamped trash bag ensemble, she effortlessly transitioned into full-blown choreography, backed by a troupe of exceptional dancers who commanded the stage with precision.
A poignant moment came when she welcomed former dancer Alyson Stoner, known for her role in Missy’s earlier videos, back into the spotlight. Their collaboration served as a nostalgic nod to Missy’s illustrious career, a testament to her enduring influence.
Every element of the performance was flawlessly executed, from the stage lighting to the seamless integration of her iconic music videos into the live show. Missy’s ability to adapt her visionary concepts to the stage was nothing short of remarkable, solidifying her status as a true legend in the music industry.
Beyond her prowess as a rapper and singer, Missy’s contributions as a songwriter and producer for numerous artists underscore her multifaceted talent and enduring impact on the music landscape. Her pioneering sound, ahead of its time, continues to inspire and challenge conventions, earning her the utmost respect and admiration from fans and peers alike.
Everyone’s buzzing about your genius and brilliance, and rightfully so. Your accomplishments and iconic status speak volumes. But let’s pause to appreciate the beauty of your soul, the essence of who you are. My love for you runs deep. Your authenticity shines through, infusing your work with unparalleled brilliance. Your spirit, your energy, they’re truly extraordinary. It’s as if God himself bestowed upon you all his blessings. I cherish you endlessly. Your presence in my life has been a beacon of loyalty and friendship, both on and off the screen. In an industry where true friends are rare gems, you stand out amongst the few I hold dear. I’m grateful for the divine intervention that brought us together. I adore you beyond words, and I couldn’t be prouder of you. This message from Janet Jackson encapsulates the sentiment perfectly. Congratulations, my dear friend. You deserve every bit of success and love that comes your way.
Overall, I found this year’s VMAs to be quite enjoyable. I want to give a shoutout to Megan Thee Stallion; her pre-show performance was impressive, and she rightfully snagged the Best Power Anthem award for “Hot Girl Summer” featuring Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign. It’s a significant achievement for her. There were other commendable performances too. While I can’t cover everyone, most artists delivered solid sets. No one flopped, but three acts stood out for me: Liz O, Normani, and Missy. They really caught my attention. The rest were decent. I particularly liked the closing segment, where MTV highlighted hip-hop artists from New Jersey like Queen Latifah, Redman, Naughty by Nature, Wyclef Jean, and even Fetty Wap. Speaking of whom, I wondered what Fetty Wap had been up to lately. It was great to see everyone showcase their talent. That wraps up my VMAs review. What are your thoughts on the event? Feel free to share in the comments below. Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video if you enjoyed it. Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, take care!