Katy Perry (photo: David LaChapelle)
Kendrick Lamar was the big winner at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards, earning six Moon People (the former “Moonman” award is now gender-neutral). Lamar’s hit “HUMBLE.” won the major award as Video of the Year, as well as Best Hip Hop, Best Cinematography, Best Direction, Best Art Direction and Best Visual Effects.
Ed Sheeran was named Artist of the Year and Khalid won for Best New Artist. Zayn & Taylor Swift‘s “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” earned Best Collaboration. Lil Uzi Vert‘s “XO Tour Llif3” was crowned as Song of the Summer. Fifth Harmony, Zedd & Alessia Cara, Kanye West, Young Thug and Twenty One Pilots also came out winners at the VMAs.
Of course, the VMAs featured wall-to-wall performances, as Lamar kicked off the show with “DNA” and “HUMBLE.” Rod Stewart and DNCE collaborated on a performance of “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” and Ed Sheeran teamed with Lil Uzi Vert for a mashup of “Shape of You” and “XO Tour Llif3.” P!nk was honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and played a medley of her hits, while also giving a powerful acceptance speech.
While not in attendance, Taylor Swift debuted the epic video for her new single “Look What You Made Me Do,” which features various incarnations of the Pop star, both past and present, as well as a laundry list of Easter eggs referencing her career and rivals.
The VMAs were hosted by Katy Perry, who also closed out the night by teaming up with Nicki Minaj for a basketball-themed performance of “Swish Swish.”
