The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards was a night of bold performances and unforgettable moments. Held at the UBS Arena in New York, the event was not only a celebration of music but the Black women in attendance dominated! From awe-inspiring performances to boundary-pushing fashion statements, the night was packed with standout moments from Black women at the 2024 VMAs.
Megan Thee Award Show Host
Megan Thee Stallion didn’t just host the 2024 VMAs, she dominated the night, making bold fashion statements and delivering an electrifying performance. While her outfit choices kept fans talking, one look that stood out was when she donned a U.S.A. leotard. The patriotic leotard was a nod to her Houston roots and a reminder of her pride in representing Black excellence on a global stage.
Beyond her incredible hosting duties, Megan also took the stage for a highly anticipated performance that had the crowd buzzing. Performing a medley of her biggest hits, including “B.A.S” and “Mamushi” and more, Megan commanded the stage.
Megan also paid homage to Britney Spears’ legendary 2001 VMAs performance of “I’m a Slave 4 U” by wearing a green bra top with a yellow snake draped over her shoulders. Although she had the snake removed mid-performance due to discomfort, the reference was unmistakable and paid tribute to one of the most iconic moments in VMA history. The homage wasn’t just a nostalgic nod, but a reminder that Megan herself is creating her own VMAs legacy.
Jordan Chiles’ Olympic Redemption
Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles made her VMAs debut in an unexpected but heartwarming moment when she appeared on stage with Public Enemy legend Flavor Flav. The athlete, who has faced controversy after being stripped of her Olympic bronze medal, received a surprising and meaningful gift. In a moment that had the crowd cheering, Flavor Flav presented Chiles with one of his signature bronze clock necklaces as a symbol of her resilience and perseverance. To top it off, he announced that he would give her the prize money she was denied.
Tyla Representing Amapiano on the Global Stage
South African sensation Tyla made history at this year’s VMAs, winning Best Afrobeats for her global hit “Water.” While the win was monumental, Tyla used her acceptance speech to call attention to a bigger issue: the classification of African music.
“This is just so special, but also bittersweet because I know there’s a tendency to group all African artists under Afrobeats,” she said, voicing her concern about the limited scope given to the continent’s rich musical diversity.
Tyla emphasized that her genre, Amapiano which is a blend of house, jazz, and kwaito, is different from Afrobeats and deserves its own recognition.
Yeah Glo!
Memphis-born rapper GloRilla had one of the night’s most electric performances, proving that her rise in the rap game is far from over. Known for hits like “Yeah Glo!” and “TGIF,” GloRilla took the stage in a sparkling suit that transformed into a bikini, setting the tone for her high-energy performance. Her bars and stage presence were undeniable, as she delivered a mix of fan favorites that had the crowd on their feet.
This was GloRilla’s first-ever VMAs performance, but her confidence made it clear she was born for this. Earlier this year, she became the longest-charting female rap artist of 2024, and her hit “Yeah Glo!” secured a place on the Billboard Hot 100.