As I'm writing this, the 2015 VMAs have come to an unsuprisingly shocking end. All viewers typically expect for this annual award show to be a night of unforgettable moments or crazy outfit choices. In the past, artists such as Lady Gaga (my personal favorite), have blown our minds with creative and unique performances. Who could forget THE one and only 'Meat Dress'? Pop culture phenomenons happen here, and this year has not disappointed... well, that may be an overstatement because what's a good music award show without Gaga?
Nonetheless, I've put together the top 5 things that we've learned at this year's VMAs. Ready to fall into the craziness?
1) #KanyeForPrez?
It's no secret that Kanye West is kind of an ego-maniac. He's called himself a 'god', using the nickname 'Yeezus' whenever he gets the chance. This year, however, he accepted the coveted Video Vanguard Award. Now remember - huge names like Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé have received this award in the past. While he's still a major artist and pop culture icon, there's still some big shoes to fill. He concluded his ridiculously long and borderline crazy acceptance speech with his intent to run for president in 2020. Although this is probably not gonna happen, you never know with Kanye. Donald Trump, eat your heart out.
2) Nicki vs. Miley
Celebrity feuds in the music industry are no shocker to anyone that follows pop culture. These disagreements and shady remarks are what music fans live for sometimes. One thing no one expected at tonight's award show was the shade thrown by Nicki Minaj when she received the VMA for Best Hip-Hop Video and called out Miley Cyrus for talking about her in the press earlier. Minaj didn't seem to be all that serious, but Cyrus kind of took the shade to heart and delivered a little back. Looks like we have yet another music feud on our hands...
3) It's Not A Show Without Gaga
This may just be personal opinion, but I don't think an awards show like the VMA's are complete without Lady Gaga. She's delivered iconic performances in the past, shocking audiences worldwide with a bloody rendition of 'Paparazzi' or her drag king performance of 'You & I' in the character of Jo Calderone, and seems to make the show THAT much more interesting. Take note, MTV.
4) A Very Important Award Category
With many of the world's recent events being tragic and causing uproars of demands for a change in our social outlook, MTV placed emphasis on the "Best Video with a Social Message" category. Created in 2011, this category has seen important winners like Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' or Macklemore's 'Same Love'. The winner this year came from Kanye West, John Legend and Big Sean, with a song titled 'One Man Can Change The World'. The importance of this category has become significantly greater in the midst of recent racial tensions and other social issues.
5) Two Words: Miley Cyrus
This year's host, the incomparable Miley Cyrus, did not disappoint as the jaw-dropping character she is. She changed every time she appeared on camera - 16 times to be exact - and the outfits just got weirder as the night progressed. At the end of the night, the outfits ceased to matter. Miley surprised audiences with an unannounced performance of music everyone has yet to hear. 30-something drag queens, crazy costumes, and new Miley music was the best way to end the evening. Not to mention she announced a new album, now available for FREE.
We learn new things from each year of the VMA's, and this year was no exception. Crazy is probably the tamest word that can be used to describe this year's show, and as I conclude this article, I'm listening to Miley Cyrus' new album and I highly suggest anyone to give it a listen. Much like the 2015 VMA's, and many more in the future, it's wild, crazy, and most of all - fun.
