Story by Bridgette McAuliffe, Staff writer
On August 20, MTV hosted the 35th annual Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York, New York.
Regardless of the award show’s severe drop in ratings—10 percent drop in viewership from their key demographic of 18 to 45 year olds and 8 percent drop in total viewership according to Esquire—and what they call “the end of the MTV VMAs as we know them,” the show provided some entertaining, heartfelt and flat-out shady moments. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best moments of this year’s Video Music Awards.
When The Celebrities Threw Shade
None of the celebrities this year held back, throwing shade at politicians, each other, artists that were not nominated, and even at this year’s host, Cardi B. Much of the shade was thrown by none other than Nicki Minaj, who made it very clear that she had something to say and had beef with almost every artist in attendance. Comedian Tiffany Haddish roasted Fifth Harmony after congratulating Camila Cabello on her five nominations, to which Nicki Minaj retaliated. Haddish and fellow comedian Kevin Hart spent the entire time on stage roasting as many celebrities as possible. Cardi B even threw some obvious shade towards Minaj, who beat her out in the Best Hip Hop Video category.
When Every Artist Killed It On Stage
From the glitz and the glam of Nicki Minaj’s over-the-top sets to killer instrumental performances, every artist killed it with unique performances, intense choreography and incredible collaborations. Shawn Mendes quite literally made it rain and got soaked,resulting in over 66,000 tweets about his opening performance. Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco floated down from the rafters to make his way through the crowd singing his chart-topping hit “High Hopes.” Nicki Minaj sat on a golden throne. Ariana Grande performed intense choreography with all of her dancers. Post Malone collaborated with Aerosmith. Logic performed “One Day” with OneRepublic singer Ryan Tedder, tackling a controversial topic with a small army of immigrant and activist children wearing t-shirts on stage that read “We Are All Human Beings.” The list of amazing performances, all on MTV’s YouTube channel, is endless.
All Of The Unexpected Wins and Losses
Twitter was in an uproar after some of the results were announced. Post Malone’s “Rockstar” beat out songs by Camila Cabello, Ed Sheeran and Drake. Fans took to Twitter wondering how the song beat out megahit “Havana.” Though Cabello, who had five total nominations, walked home as Artist of the Year. Hayley Kiyoko fans were shocked when Cardi B took home the award for Best New Artist, while #VoteHayleyKiyoko was trending all night. Jennifer Lopez took home the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, and surprised fans with a performance of some of her top hits, including “On the Floor,” and throwback single “Love Don’t Cost A Thing.”
How The Night Was All About Moms
This year’s VMAs were truly about the mothers in the crowd. Cardi B opened the awards show pretending to nurse her daughter Kulture. Jennifer Lopez dedicated her Video Vanguard Award to her twins. “The future is brighter than anything I could have accomplished because of you,” Lopez said to her children in the crowd. Ariana Grande brought her mother, grandmother and cousin on stage during her performance of “God Is A Woman.”