With 11 VMAs nominations, you could predict that Beyonce was going to steal the show. And she did with an extended performance inspired by ‘Lemonade’.
Beyonce performing at MTV VMAS 2016 (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)
Queen B stalked out into a stage of blue smoke to the opening poem of her visual album before going straight into her extended performance which even the live broadcasting camera couldn’t handle, the pop sensation swinging a baseball bat right into its path. She also won plenty of awards including the ‘Video of the Year’ for “Formation”, therefore becoming the most awarded artist in VMA history. Adele didn’t show a grimace of jealousy as her 8 award nominations left her leaving the night with nothing.
Let us not forget Kanye West made a special appearance, also crediting his love for Beyonce and announcing in his four-minute speech that he would not feel bad if Beyonce won against him (and she did). For once, West kept his speech measured and only made mentions of his ex Amber Rose, his wife’s sex tape and, once again, taking a dig at Taylor Swift. He then premiered the official video of his new single ‘Fade’, which concluded his appearance for the night, his 2016 VMAs appearance certainly low-key compared to his declaration of running for 2020 presidency at last year’s awards.
If someone had to come in second to the Queen B it would have to be Rihanna who slammed all her critics, proving that she can actually sing. Her opening performance may not be remembered (Drake certainly wouldn’t know as he was “caught in traffic”) but it was her last performance of the night which captivated audiences, as she put on a soulful performance of “Stay” and “Diamonds”. Dressed in a white gown, she let her raw talent take the front before being awarded the Video Vanguard Music Award by none other than Drake himself.
With a VMAs night that didn’t disappoint, it was up to Britney Spears to end the show with a bang with her first telecast performance since 2007. Although it was an admirable effort when she performed her single ‘Make Me’ along with rapper G-Eazy, she lip-synced her way through the performance, only impressing us with her ground moves. The audience camera hovered over the guests who seemed more enthralled in their mobile phones. So who’s going to be talking about Britney Spears tomorrow? Probably no one.
See a round up of the winners of the VMAs below:
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Beyoncé – “Formation”
BEST FEMALE VIDEO
Beyoncé – “Hold Up”
BEST MALE VIDEO
Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna – “This Is What You Came For”
BEST COLLABORATION
Fifth Harmony ft. Ty Dolla $ign – “Work From Home”
BEST HIP HOP VIDEO
Drake – “Hotline Bling”
BEST POP VIDEO
Beyoncé – “Formation”
BEST ROCK VIDEO
twenty one pilots – “Heathens”
BEST ELECTRONIC VIDEO
Calvin Harris & Disciples – “How Deep Is Your Love”
SONG OF SUMMER
Fifth Harmony featuring Fetty Wap — “All In My Head”
BREAKTHROUGH LONG FORM VIDEO
Beyoncé – Lemonade
BEST NEW ARTIST
DNCE
BEST ART DIRECTION
David Bowie – “Blackstar” (Production Designer: Jan Houllevigue)
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Beyoncé – “Formation” (Choreographer: Chris Grant, JaQuel Knight, Dana Foglia)
BEST DIRECTION
Beyoncé – “Formation” (Director: Melina Matsoukas)
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Beyoncé – “Formation” (Cinematographer: Malik Sayeed)
BEST EDITING
Beyoncé – “Formation” (Editor: Jeff Selis)
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Coldplay – “Up&Up” (VFX Editor: Vania Heymann)
