The Oswegonian

The Independent Student Newspaper of Oswego State

DATE

Nov. 22, 2024

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Laker Review

Recap: stars shine at 2016 Video Music Awards

     The VMA’s are  known for crazy performances and that feeling of suspense as viewers never know what may happen.

     This year’s show aired on Aug. 28 and it was definitely a night to remember. It all went down at New York City’s famous Madison Square Garden and some of viewers, favorite artists were there to take the stage.

     Rihanna opened the show with a mash-up of some of her many hits such as “Where Have You Been,” “Please Don’t Stop the Music” and “Only Girl in the World.”

     That was just one of her three performances as she was the recipient of this year’s Michael Jackson “Video Vanguard Award.” She also did a reggae medley which included her hit single “Work.” She then concluded the show with “B**** Better Have My Money,” “Pour it Up” and “Needed Me” all before she slowed it down for viewers with her ballad “Love on the Brain.”

     Rihanna looked stunning in a gorgeous gown accented with a belt around the waist.

     The show stopper really came when Drake showed up fashionably late just to present his boo with her “Vanguard” award, delivering a speech that left viewers all craving a romance of their own after he admitted he’s been in love with the Barbados princess since he was 22 years old when he saw her on the set of her first video, “Pon De Replay.”

     Queen Bey was of course in the building as well. Beyonce racked up a total of eight moonmen at this year’s show, breaking the record for the artist with the most VMA’s of all time with a total of 21, surpassing Madonna who has 20. 

     On top of breaking records, Beyonce also took viewers’ breath away with a performance of what seemed to be her entire visual album, “LEMONADE.” She stormed around the stage, wowing the crowd with her amazing dance moves and electric energy. Beyonce dropped her surprise visual album earlier this year, following up with the “Formation World Tour,” which was extremely successful.

     One of Beyonce’s biggest fans, Kanye West, also took the stage, but this was no ordinary performance. Rumor has it that MTV gave Kanye four minutes on stage to do whatever he wanted to do.

     So, he spoke.

     Kanye talked viewers’ ears off for about two of the four minutes, but for the last two, he introduced the world to a groundbreaking music video for his song “Fade.” The video starred singer songwriter, Teyanna Taylor and featured her husband, Iman Shumpert and their eight-month old baby girl. Taylor stole the show, dancing around the gym with her smoking body, topping it off with a steamy shower scene with her husband, leaving viewers speechless The video has proven to be a major moment in her career as she has gotten countless shout outs and new opportunities since the exclusive world premiere. Even Kim Kardashian reached out to Taylor via Twitter to ask her how she achieved such a hot bod.

     Other performers included rapper Future, legendary pop star Britney Spears, and a duet by Arianna Grande and Nicki Minaj, both sporting cute cotton candy pink outfits.

     Other winners included Calvin Harris for “How Deep is Your Love” and Fifth Harmony for “Work From Home” ft. Ty Dolla Sign. DNCE took home the “Artist to Watch Award” and Drake received a moonman for his “Hotline Bling” video.

     All in all, MTV has definitely done it once again, giving viewers a night for the books.