MTV’s Video Music Awards (VMAs) were pushed back a day to avoid clashing with the US presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, so all eyes were on New York’s UBS Arena Wednesday night.
The annual award show has a reputation for outlandish style dating back to 1984, when Madonna wore a wedding dress to perform “Like a Virgin” at the very first VMAs, almost 40 years ago to the day. And several attendees appeared to pay homage to the Queen of Pop on this year’s red carpet.
Addison Rae and Anitta both opted for bold takes on bridalwear, with the latter’s Dolce & Gabbana look completed with a veil and stiletto heels. Artist of the Year nominee Sabrina Carpenter, meanwhile, arrived in a strapless vintage Bob Mackie gown originally worn by Madonna to the 1991 Oscars.
There were several other fashion throwbacks on a nostalgia-heavy night, from Halsey’s archive Versace gown, which was last worn by Elizabeth Hurley in 1996, to GloRilla’s Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes-inspired hairdo. Taylor Swift appeared to channel the iconic yellow plaid look worn by the character Cher Horowitz in ‘90s hit “Clueless,” in an edgier iteration by Dior. Social media users meanwhile joked that Lil Nas X’s bold helmeted outfit was also a reference to another 1990s icon: the Pink Ranger.
This year’s red carpet was, in fact, black — and many stars arrived in suitably dark shades and goth-inspired looks. Suki Waterhouse and Margaret Qualley, in Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel respectively, were among those opting for elegant (and, in their cases, feathery) black gowns. Singer Benson Boone wore a lacy, see-through black top with embellished footwear.
Elsewhere, award host Megan Thee Stallion’s eye-catching take on the little black dress featured a corseted bodice and a skirt that flared out above and below the knee, rather than the waist. Chappell Roan, nominated as Best New Artist, went full goth-glam in a floor-length Y/Project gown with a cross pendant and long nails emerging from fingerless chainmail gloves.
Hilton Sisters Reunite for VMAs Glam
Paris Hilton proved she's still a style icon as she graced the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet with her sister Nicky Hilton on Wednesday night. Held at UBS Arena in New York City, the sisters arrived to the annual star-studded ceremony in dueling crystal-covered frocks.
Paris, 42, slipped into an ultra sexy silver dress that highlighted her chiseled, sun-kissed physique. The socialite, who recently released her new album Infinite Icon, wore an opulent choker necklace and carried a sparkly clutch. She stood on tall rhinestone heels and her dirty blonde hair was worn in an edgy 'wet' style.
Meanwhile, Nicky sizzled in a red one-shoulder gown with a thigh-high slit and side cutouts that exposed plenty of underboob. The mother-of-three, 40, cozied up beside her glam sister in a pair of strappy silver heels. Her blonde hair was worn in loose waves, with several strands tucked behind her ear for an effortless look.
As for makeup, Nicky made her blue eyes pop with a shimmering brown smokey eye paired with a glossy nude lip. The sisters exuded confidence during their time in front of red carpet photographers.
A Night of Music and Style
Music's biggest stars are back for another night of celebration at MTV's legendary Video Music Awards. This year's festivities will be hosted by rapper Megan Thee Stallion and will be held at the UBS Arena in Long Island on September 11. Stallion, 29, is herself nominated for five awards, including best collaboration and best hip-hop. She previously won best power anthem for Hot Girl Summer.
The evening will be a who's who of music superstars with Sabrina Carpenter, Katy Perry, Camila Cabello, GloRilla, Rauw Alejandro, Benson Boone, Halsey, LISA, Lenny Kravitz, Anitta, Karol G, LL Cool J, and Shawn Mendes all set to perform at the show. The MTV VMAs will air live on 8pm ET/PT.
This year's recipient of the legendary Video Vanguard Award will be Katy Perry. 'Katy is a musical powerhouse and true pop culture icon,' said Bruce Gillmer, chief content officer of music at Paramount+ and president of music, music talent, programming and events at Paramount in a statement. 'With her game changing creative vision, she has become a global phenomenon and taken over the world’s biggest stages,' added Gillmer.
Past winners of the Video Vanguard Award include David Bowie, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and Pink. The award comes as Perry prepares to release her upcoming seventh studio album 143. Her comeback single from the album, Woman's World, flopped in the charts following its release over the summer.
The Race for the Biggest Award
As for accolades, Taylor Swift is the most-nominated artist at the event with an impressive 10 nods to her name. The hitmaker, 34, has the chance to make history as she could become the first artist to win Video Of The Year five times. She already holds the record for most Video of the Year victories with four trophies under her name. Her collaboration with Post Malone, the track Fortnight, is up for Video of the Year. Post Malone trails Taylor by just one nomination as he has earned nine total with most of them being from their collaboration. The one nomination he received without Taylor's assistance was for Best Collaboration for I Had Some Help, his track with Morgan Wallen.
Also up for six nominations are Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Eminem. Like Megan Thee Stallion, SZA is up for five nominations. Meanwhile, Olivia Rodrigo, Teddy Swims, and Blackpink member Lisa all tied with four nods each. Finally Benson Boone, Anitta, Dua Lipa, Tyla, Bleachers, and GloRilla all have three nominations.
A Night Full of Music and Fashion
The VMAs are always a night of incredible music and unforgettable fashion moments. This year, the red carpet was no exception, showcasing a blend of nostalgic styles and daring new trends. From the Hilton sisters’ glittering gowns to the goth-glam looks of Chappell Roan and Suki Waterhouse, the night offered something for everyone. And with an impressive list of performers and nominees, it’s sure to be a night to remember.
