If I had to sum up the 2017 VMAs using one word, I'd have to go with underwhelming.
Usually it's a complete shit show in the best way possible, but this year it was just a shitty show with a couple of predictable WTF moments. Katy Perry was awkward as f*ck as the host. It was so forced and made me uncomfortable to watch. There were a couple of The Handmaid's Tale jokes in her opening and it wouldn't be an award show in 2017 without taking a couple of digs at Trump. Before she arrived in astronaut attire, Kendrick Lamar kicked things off with a lit performance - seriously, at one point there was a dude on fire. He set the bar pretty high and went on to win awards for Best Hip Hop Video and the biggest award of the night, Video of The Year. Then, Ed Sheeran took to the stage to do his thing performing Shape of You. All was normal and well, until the unthinkable happened... Lil Uzi Vert joined him and they both performed XO Tour Llif3. I think Cardi B was all of us. Check it out:
Paris Jackson was there to present an award, but before that she used the spotlight to speak out against nazis and white supremacists. Her message was strong and clear. She asked everyone to unite to make a "yuge" change. Ah yes, she too mocked Trump. These days entertainment and politics are one in the same I suppose.
The Pussycat Doll wannabes...err...Fifth Harmony threw major shade at former member Camila Cabello during their performance and gave an extremely long speech when they accepted the award for Best Pop Video which more than likely caused Julia Michael's "Issues" performance to be cutoff. Ugh.
Taylor Swift dropped her music video for Look What You Made Me Do. The Kanye West and Kim K digs were endless. The video ended with all of the old Taylors lined up acknowledging all of the things we say about her such as how fake she is, her surprised look, etc. I'm predicting Zombie Taylor (at the beginning of the video) will be one of the hottest Halloween costume choices in 2017. The old Taylor Swift really is dead and I'm curious to see what's next.
Alessia Cara, Shawn Mendes, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, 30 Seconds To Mars, Rod Stewart + DNCE, Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry all performed at some point throughout the night.
I think the most talked about moment of the night was when Pink accepted the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award. Her speech was stellar. She shared a heartwarming story about a conversation she recently had with her daughter discussing beauty and self-love. It was f*cking empowering. Also, Pink's daughter is me every time someone compliments me.
Another big moment that proved MTV has no boundaries is when Robert Lee IV came on stage followed by Charlottesville victim Heather Heyer's mom. She announced the Heather Heyer Foundation - a nonprofit organization providing scholarships to those interested in social justice issues. It was heavy, emotional and real. I think it reminds us all that there are more important things happening outside of award shows and that artists have a lot of power to impact the world in a positive way.
On a lighter note, Lorde danced like a 2 year-old to one of her songs and passed it off as a performance. It was later revealed that she had the flu and that's why she didn't sing. One final moment that really touched me was when Alessia Cara, Logic and Khalid were joined by suicide survivors for a performance of 1-800-273-8255. They encouraged everyone struggling to keep living and that they are not alone. The song's name is the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
I know I started this recap off by saying it was underwhelming and shitty and after reading this recap you're probably confused as to why I said that. I mean there wasn't any "drama". In past years, we've seen Miley Cyrus twerk on Robin Thicke, Britney and Madonna kiss, Kanye interrupt Taylor, Kanye announce he's running for president in 2020, etc. It often seems like celebrities are on another planet. The 2017 VMAs proved that they're not. They're just like us and see as well as experience the same hardships as you and I. It felt odd.
Did you tune in? Leave your thoughts in the comments. |
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