Snubs & Surprises At The 2023 MTV VMAs
The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards delivered a mix of expected wins and unexpected snubs and surprises. While Taylor Swift’s domination of the awards was anticipated, there were notable moments that caught the audience off guard. Let’s take a closer look at the key highlights from the event.
Taylor Swift’s Sweep
Taylor Swift’s remarkable year was reflected in her sweeping victories at the 2023 MTV VMAs. She clinched top honors, including Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Artist of the Year. Swift’s chart-topping achievements, such as her eight-week reign atop the Hot 100 with “Anti-Hero,” marked her impressive journey. Additionally, her albums “Midnights” and “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” both claimed the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Swift’s “The Eras” stadium tour was a monumental success, solidifying her dominance. Surprisingly, Swift outperformed the legendary Beyoncé in three categories, earning her a total of 23 VMAs, securing her second place on the all-time winners list.
Nicki Minaj’s Expected Win
Nicki Minaj, who hosted the show, continued her reign in the Best Hip-Hop category with her chart-topping hit “Super Freaky Girl.” This marked her fifth win in this category, surpassing all other artists.
SZA’s R&B Victory
SZA’s win in the Best R&B category for “Shirt” was a predictable outcome, considering the impressive performance of her album “SOS,” which spent 10 weeks atop the Billboard 200 in late 2022 and early 2023.
Rema & Selena Gomez’s Afrobeats Triumph
Rema and Selena Gomez’s victory in the new Best Afrobeats category for “Calm Down” was a clear choice, given the song’s peak at number three on the Hot 100.
Miley Cyrus’s Surprising Shutout
In a surprising turn of events, Miley Cyrus, despite receiving six nominations, left the event empty-handed. This outcome contrasted sharply with her previous victory nine years ago when her “Wrecking Ball” won Video of the Year.
Måneskin’s Unexpected Rock Win
Italian band Måneskin secured an unexpected victory in the Best Rock category for “The Loneliest,” triumphing over established rock bands like Foo Fighters, Linkin Park, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Metallica.
Sam Smith and Kim Petras Snub
Despite their groundbreaking No. 1 Hot 100 hit “Unholy,” Sam Smith and Kim Petras faced disappointment at the VMAs. They were nominated in five categories but failed to secure a win, primarily losing to Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero.”
Global Pop Takes the Spotlight
A record-breaking 10 VMAs were awarded to international acts, with five going to South Korean artists. Blackpink claimed Group of the Year and Best Choreography for “Pink Venom,” while Jungkook won Song of Summer for “Seven.” Tomorrow x Together secured the Push Performance of the Year for “Sugar Rush Ride,” and Stray Kids earned the title of Best K-pop for “S-Class.” Colombian artists also shone, with Shakira receiving the Video Vanguard Award and Best Collaboration for “TQG,” a collaboration with Karol G. Awards also went to artists from Italy (Måneskin for Best Rock), Brazil (Anitta for Best Latin), and Nigeria (Rema for Best Afrobeats, with Selena Gomez).
Bad Bunny’s Latin Snub
Despite being nominated seven times in the Best Latin category over the last five years, Bad Bunny has yet to secure a win. His nominations include songs like “Mia,” “Yo Perreo Sola,” “Dakiti,” “Un Día (One Day),” “Tití Me Preguntó,” “Where She Goes,” and “Un x100to.”
Karol G and Shakira’s Collaboration Win
Karol G and Shakira’s collaboration “TQG” emerged victorious in the all-genre Best Collaboration category, triumphing over formidable contenders like “I’m Good (Blue)” by David Guetta & Bebe Rexha and “Calm Down” by Rema & Selena Gomez. Interestingly, Sam Smith and Kim Petras were not nominated in this category for their hit collaboration “Unholy,” even though it was the sole collaboration nominated for Video of the Year.
In summary, the 2023 MTV VMAs provided both expected victories and surprising outcomes, showcasing the dynamic nature of the music industry and the diversity of talent from around the world.
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