Katy Perry Shines at the 2024 MTV VMAs: Performance and Video Vanguard Award

Katy Perry's Unforgettable VMA Performance

Katy Perry was the guest of honor at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, where she performed a 10-song medley and accepted the Video Vanguard trophy on stage at Long Island’s UBS Arena. Perry spared no hit, running through “Dark Horse,” and “E.T.” while floating high above the stage suspended from wires. Doechii stopped by for a live debut of Perry’s new single “I’m His, He’s Mine,” which samples Crystal Waters’ legendary house cut “Gypsy Women (La Da Dee La Da Da),” before Perry sang crowd-pleasers “California Gurls” and “Teenage Dream.”

Highlight Moments of the Night

• Perry pivoted to her breakout single “I Kissed a Girl,” and donned inflatable metallic butterfly wings for her power ballad “Firework.”
• She wrapped things up with “Lifetimes,” the second single from her upcoming album 143.

Perry’s partner Orlando Bloom introduced her and presented the Video Vanguard Moon Person. In her acceptance speech, she noted: “I did this all on the first day of my period,” while thanking MTV for “believing in my weirdness” throughout the years. She recognized the support of the LGBT community and included a shoutout to Bloom and their daughter, Daisy.

Legacy and Future Plans

Katy Perry joins a renowned list of Video Vanguard winners, including last year’s honoree, Shakira, and icons like Beyoncé and Madonna. Having made her VMA debut in 2009, Perry earned her first three Moon Person trophies in 2011 for her hits “Firework” and “E.T.” Her last appearance before this year was in 2017, performing “Swish Swish” with Nicki Minaj.

Perry's return to the pop sphere was marked by her recent single “Woman’s World,” announcing her upcoming album 143, set for release on September 20, following with the LP’s second single “Lifetimes.” She hasn't released a studio album since Smile in 2020.