Photography: MTV
For the 2017 VMAs, MTV snagged Katy Perry as the host and gave the show a splashy, astronomy-themed campaign that had everyone thinking this year’s show would be out of this world. This, mixed with the fact MTV made all the categories genderless this year, put a lot of pressure on producers to make the Video Music Awards memorable
So did they succeed? Eh. The show wasn’t exactly amazing, but it did have its fun moments. Here are some of the highlights from the night — and the lowlights. (Nothing’s perfect, after all.)
Best
Kendrick Lamar’s performance
The rapper brought down the house — as per usual — with electrifying performances of ‘DNA’ and ‘Humble’. People were literally set on fire during his set, and he accompanied the theatrics with piercing social commentary. It was the greatest way to open the show.
Here’s the whole Lil Uzi Vert x Ed Sheeran performance of “Shape Of You” and “XO Tour Llif3” pic.twitter.com/MnCqWDyIRD
— Luv is Rage 2 ®🦇 (@UziVertically) August 28, 2017
Ed Sheeran singing ‘Shape of You’
Honestly, it’s always a good time when he belts this one out.
Introducing your MOONWOMAN. Brace for impact! August 27th on @MTV @VMAs pic.twitter.com/WJsIYq7WiM
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) July 27, 2017
Katy Perry’s astronaut introduction
She flew in like an IRL astronaut. It was cheesy, sure, but Katy certainly gets props for her dedication to the evening’s astronomy theme.
Jack Antonoff Eats Banana During Katy Perry’s #VMAs Monologue — and Twitter Calls Out His Shade https://t.co/ZbVgT5my3i pic.twitter.com/rHM9psPd4n
— People (@people) August 28, 2017
Jack Antonoff eating a banana during Katy’s opening monologue
Easily the best GIF of the evening. And Lena Dunham’s tweet about it? A-plus.
The premiere of Taylor Swift’s new video “Look what you made me do”
It included a zombie version of herself. Yup.
Lorde’s no-singing performance
She had the flu, which is why she put her vocal chords on ice. Make no mistake, though: This performance was fire through and through.
undefinedFifth Harmony’s space-tastic rendition of ‘Angel’ and ‘Down’
The group took home the moon person for Best Pop Video as well. They’ve never been more in sync and on point than in this performance. Normani’s split will slay your soul… as will that Camila Cabello shade.
Jared Leto pays tribute to Chris Cornell & Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington at the MTV #VMAs https://t.co/5lGaOg7k6b pic.twitter.com/priAEsTu6r
— billboard (@billboard) August 28, 2017
Jared Leto’s tribute to the lead singer from Linkin Park
“Chester [Bennington] was my friend, as he was to so many, and witnessing his life taught me important things, especially about working relentlessly, pursuing dreams and being kind and caring while doing it. When I think about him, Chester, I see his face, which was always smiling. I think about his heart, which he wore on his sleeve,” he said. It was an emotional and very heartfelt speech.
undefinedMiley Cyrus’ performance
Miley sang her new single ‘Younger now’, and it was the polar opposite of her 2013 VMAs performance — ya know, the one that included all the twerking. She ditched the foam finger this time around, but she kept the passion. It’s a really beautiful song. And yes for the age representation!
Vanguard Award winner @pink gives an incredible career-spanning performance at the #VMAs💥 pic.twitter.com/NocVnkotmZ
— MTV (@MTV) August 28, 2017
Pink’s Video Vanguard Award set
She flew through a medley of her greatest hits. We forgot how much of a jam ‘Let’s get the party started’ is!
Annnd her acceptance speech, which focused on androgynous beauty
YAS @alessiacara giving me everything I need with this “Scars To Your Beautiful” #VMA performance pic.twitter.com/FqUY7g7QJf
— MTV (@MTV) August 28, 2017
When Alessia Cara wiped off her makeup on stage during her performance of “Scars to your beautiful”
Worst
Katy’s opening monologue
She hit all the necessary checkmarks — humour, theatrics, political jabs — but nothing really landed. It all felt entirely too ham-fisted. Katy shouldn’t have tried so hard to be funny; it would’ve been, well, way funnier.
Honestly, all of Perry’s bits
Humour really isn’t her strongest suit. The fat-shaming joke about still loving someone after they eat at a buffet was particularly troublesome.
Taken from GLAMOUR US. Click here to read the original.
Want more from the MTV VMAs? Check out the full list of winners and the best dressed on the red carpet.
