The MTV Video Music Awards were in full swing at the Staples Center on August 24.
The pre-show was a sight to see with the celebrities walking the red carpet. Miley Cyrus claims best-dressed with her black leather bandeau and pants set. The outfit was much more subtle compared to her regular get-ups and perfectly tailored, so this one wins hands down for me. Other great red carpet looks were Nicki Minaj, Adam Levine and Demi Lovato.
Katy Perry and Riff Raff get worst-dressed with their homage to Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s denim on denim fashion moment. There was truly no point to it and, more importantly, that look shouldn’t have even happened the first time. Other worst-dressed were Amber Heard, Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian-West.
Once the show began, parts were entertaining and other parts felt like after thoughts.
The trio opening act of Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj and Jessie J was a high-energy act and had great transitions between “Break Free”, “Anaconda” and “Bang Bang”. Each artist performed flawlessly until the end of the “Bang Bang” performance and Minaj’s apparent dress malfunction. It seemed either the singer didn’t have time to zipper herself up or the zipper broke mid outfit change. Minaj looked incredibly uncomfortable during her entire time on stage, but recovered with a complete rap verse and smile.

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Performances like Swift’s “Shake it Off”, Usher’s “She Came to Give it to You” and Iggy Azalea’s “Black Widow” with Rita Ora were all boring. All three felt like typical VMA performances and with each new year, the viewers want fresh performances. These all felt old.
However, Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” and Maroon 5’s “Maps” followed by “One More Night” were all high-quality acts. Smith’s was simple with himself and a pianist, but the emotion of the song came through. Plus, the man can sing, so that didn’t hurt either. Maroon 5 performed on an outside stage underneath a giant, neon M. While some think Maroon 5’s sound has gone down in quality with each new album, I personally still think they’re a great band. The band always sounds in-tune, so a live performance is never disappointing.

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The Moonmans went to a mix of good and bad choices. Female video went to Perry for “Dark Horse” while male video went to Ed Sheeran for “Sing”. I don’t know many people who have taken the time to watch Perry’s “Dark Horse” video, however, Sheeran’s “Sing” was a unique concept, so I think he’s a deserving winner.
Best pop video went to Grande and “Problem”. This was a choice I was happy with, saying the song is incredibly catchy and the video was well done.
Hip-hop video went to Drake with “Hold on Were Going Home”. I was overly pleased with this win. The video is done with a short-film attitude, so it was the most deserving out of all the hip-hop nominees.
Best rock video went to Lorde and “Royals”. I don’t understand why all award shows consider Lorde a rock artist, so every time she wins a rock award, I personally don’t think she’s deserving of it. While she’s talented, her music should be in the pop categories. If she won an award there, I wouldn’t complain.
The Artist to Watch award went to Fifth Harmony with “Miss Movin’ On”. Since Smith was up for this award and is more than just a pop-princess act, I completely don’t agree with this win.

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Cyrus won for Video of the Year with “Wrecking Ball”. However, she let her speech go to her date to speak about teen homelessness in America. I liked where her heart was and how she gave someone who wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to speak to have a platform, but I don’t think it was done in the right way. I’d rather see Cyrus make an effort to make a movement towards a cause she claims to care about, instead of just using an award show as a PSA.
Last but not least, Beyoncé.

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Beyoncé’s 20 minute medley of her most recent album, finishing with her acceptance of the Vanguard award was the most interesting part of the entire show. The performances, the song transitions and, most importantly, the family appearance was all awe-worthy.
All in all, Beyoncé’s performance will all that’ll be discussed from this year’s VMAs. The rest of the awards show will be forgotten by the time mid-week rolls around.