2024 VMAs: Highlights, Performances, and Pop’s New Powerhouses
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An Unforgettable Night
The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards delivered a thrilling night of electrifying performances, emotional victories, and groundbreaking moments that reflect the ever-evolving landscape of pop music. From Sabrina Carpenter’s nostalgic yet fresh performance to Chappell Roan’s bold and theatrical presence, the event highlighted both rising stars and established icons. Charli XCX’s continued influence demonstrated how the boundaries of pop music are being pushed further than ever.
With Taylor Swift taking home major awards, the night proved that pop music is thriving in a new golden era, filled with innovation and a mix of the past and future. In this article, Hollywood Branded explores the standout performances, emotional wins, and groundbreaking moments from the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, highlighting rising stars like Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, as well as the continued influence of Charli XCX and Taylor Swift's historic night.

Pop’s Rising Stars: Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan
One of the night’s most anticipated performances came from Sabrina Carpenter, who dazzled the audience with a performance featuring tracks from her new album, Short n’ Sweet, released just weeks before the event. Sabrina, who was nominated in several major categories, including Artist of the Year, wowed viewers with her mix of old-school pop charm and modern flair. Her ability to blend nostalgia with fresh energy has cemented her place as one of the top pop contenders of the year.
Chappell Roan, who received two VMA nominations, including Best New Artist, delivered a bold, theatrical performance that further established her as a trailblazer in pop. Known for her expressive visuals and unapologetic style, Roan’s fiery performance of "Good Luck, Babe" was a celebration of empowerment and artistic freedom. She is quickly becoming a favorite among LGBTQ+ audiences and has earned a reputation for pushing boundaries with her sound and aesthetic.
Charli XCX: Still Redefining Pop
Though Charli XCX did not take home any awards this year, her influence in 2024 remains undeniable. Having released brat, which featured collaborations with artists like Billie Eilish and bold production choices, Charli continues to push the limits of what pop can be. Her sound, often blending mainstream hooks with experimental production, is shaping the direction of pop for a new generation. Charli’s impact is still felt across the industry, even when she isn’t front and center on awards night
Stunning Performances
Sabrina Carpenter solidified herself as one of pop's rising stars at the 2024 VMAs. Coming off the release of her album Short n’ Sweet, Carpenter not only performed an electric medley of her hits but also took home Song of the Year for her track "Espresso." Her performance, a bold homage to MTV icons like Britney Spears, was a highlight of the night, emphasizing her blend of glamour, nostalgia, and modern pop sensibility.
Chappell Roan, meanwhile, had a standout moment with her Joan of Arc-themed performance, which resonated deeply with LGBTQ+ audiences. Her track "Good Luck, Babe" was a powerful anthem, and her striking visuals—including a flaming crossbow and medieval knights—elevated her as one of the most memorable performers of the night. Roan's rapidly growing fanbase, her bold visuals, and her unapologetic personality have marked her as a significant new voice in pop.

Photo Credit: Vogue
Taylor Swift: A Historic Night
In terms of awards, Taylor Swift was the night’s biggest winner, taking home Artist of the Year, Video of the Year, and more. Her wins pushed her to new heights as the most awarded artist in VMA history, showcasing her continued dominance in pop culture and music.
The Future of Pop
The 2024 VMAs made it clear that pop is in a new golden era. With artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan rising to prominence, and Charli XCX continuing to push the envelope, the future of music looks more dynamic and diverse than ever. The blend of innovation and homage to pop’s past is setting the stage for a future where creativity knows no bounds.
The VMAs showcased both the legends of the industry and the fresh faces that will drive pop forward in the years to come. It was a night of memorable performances and emotional wins that highlighted the incredible talent shaping today’s music scene.

Photo Credit: Rolling Stone
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