MTV's iconic awards show is celebrating its milestone 40th anniversary this year. The music television network is putting on its 40th anniversary show on Wednesday, Sept. 11, live from the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. Megan Thee Stallion is set to host the milestone evening, which is set to be attended by some of the biggest names across the entertainment industry.

2024 MTV VMAs: A Night of Performances and Surprises

Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Camila Cabello, Halsey, LL Cool J, Lenny Kravitz, Shawn Mendes, and Eminem are among the artists expected to take the stage. Katy Perry will be on hand to receive the Video Vanguard Award and also perform a medley of her hits. Previous recipients over the years for the prestigious honor include Shakira, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and Missy Elliott.

Sabrina Carpenter's Out-of-This-World Kiss

Sabrina Carpenter, when performing at the 40th annual VMAs, referenced the kiss shared by Madonna and Britney Spears at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards. The kiss came halfway through her medley of hits "Please Please Please," "Taste" and "Espresso." In the middle of a love triangle between a moon man and a female alien, Carpenter pushed the space traveler into the crowd before pulling the extra-terrestrial in for a passionate kiss.

Carpenter is up for six VMAs, including artist of the year. Her performance began on a swing high above the crowd at the UBS Arena, and ended with her surrounded by a sea of astronauts.

LISA Makes Her Solo VMA Performance Debut, While Shawn Mendes Debuts a New Song

LISA and Shawn Mendes gave back-to-back performances at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards. For LISA, who performed her songs "New Woman" and "Rockstar," it was a chance to make her debut appearance as a solo artist. The Thai rapper, singer and dancer previously appeared on the show as a member of the South Korean girl group, BLACKPINK. Mendes had his own debut — though, in a different way. He premiered his new song, "Nobody Knows" on the VMA stage, channeling Jeff Buckley with the guitar-driven track as his exes, Camila Cabello and Sabrina Carpenter, were in attendance.

Karol G Brings the Party

The crowd at the UBS Arena were on their feet on Wednesday night, when Karol G took the stage to perform her hit "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido." Dancing in the crowd with celebrity attendees like Taylor Swift and Camila Cabello, the Colombian singer got the party started with a standout, high-octane performance that only she could command.

Taylor Swift Honors 9/11 Victims

Taylor Swift and Post Malone won the first moon person of the main show on Wednesday, Sept. 11, for best collaboration on the video for their song, "Fortnight." But before sending out thanks, Swift took the mic to honor the 2,996 people who tragically died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

"Waking up this morning in New York on Sept. 11, I’ve just been thinking about what happened 23 years ago, everyone who lost a loved one and everyone that we lost," Swift said. "And that is the most important thing about today and everything that happens tonight falls behind that."

Eminem Kicks Off the Show with a Throwback Performance

Eminem kicked off the action on the 2024 MTV VMAs with a performance of his songs "Houdini" and "Somebody Save Me." The staging was modeled after his iconic performance of "The Real Slim Shady" at the 2000 VMAs, in which he entered with hundreds of extras dressed up exactly like him.

Fashion Moments at the 2024 VMAs

Fashion took center stage Wednesday at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York for the annual MTV VMAs. Taylor Swift sported a Christian Dior gown with black shorts and matching black boots for the musical affair where she leads nods with 10 nominations, followed closely by her recent collaborator, Post Malone, who's up for nine awards. The two took home the first award of the night for best collaborator for their song, "Fortnight."

Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Paris Hilton step out in style for the VMAs. Katy Perry flashed her abs wearing a creamy Who Decides War tattered top and skirt. She was joined on the black carpet by her fiancé, Orlando Bloom. Paris Hilton sparkled in a custom Celia Kritharioti dress with an ornate diamond choker necklace to match her towering pumps.

Who Won Big at the 2024 MTV VMAs?

Ariana Grande, Eminem and Sabrina Carpenter are each nominated for six VMAs. Host Megan Thee Stallion and SZA are each competing for five awards, while Olivia Rodrigo, Teddy Swims and Lisa tied for four nominations apiece.

A Look Back at the First VMAs

As the saying goes, you can't know where you are until you know where you came from. So before watching the MTV Video Music Awards' 40th annual show, let's look back at the first-ever VMAs, which took place at New York City's Radio City Music Hall on Sept. 14, 1984. Dan Aykroyd and Bette Midler co-hosted, while a who's-who of the biggest pop stars of the decade were on the guest list, including Cyndi Lauper, ZZ Top, Madonna, Tina Turner and Eddie Murphy.

A Night to Remember

The 2024 MTV VMAs was a night of unforgettable performances, surprising wins, and heartfelt moments. From Sabrina Carpenter's out-of-this-world kiss to Taylor Swift's emotional tribute to 9/11, the show was a reminder of the power of music and the importance of honoring those who have been lost. As the night came to a close, one thing was clear: The MTV VMAs is still a force to be reckoned with, and its 40th anniversary celebration was a testament to its enduring legacy.