VMAs 2022: Mariah Carey Wins First Award, Lady Gaga Stuns with Magic Act
The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) returned to the stage on Sunday night, marking a milestone moment in its 41-year history as it aired live on CBS and Paramount for the first time. The star-studded event saw some of the biggest names in music take home awards and deliver electrifying performances.
Mariah Carey made history by winning her first VMA award, taking home the prize for Best Pop Video for "Out Here on My Own." The singer was visibly emotional as she accepted the honor, thanking her team and fans. "This is a dream come true," Carey said in a statement to MTV News. "I'm so grateful to be part of this community."
Lady Gaga, known for pushing boundaries with her artistry, took the stage by storm with an otherworldly magic act that left the audience in awe. The pop star performed a medley of hits, including "Poker Face" and "Bad Romance," accompanied by a troupe of acrobats and dancers.
Busta Rhymes also made a splash at the VMAs, performing a high-energy set with his latest single "Don't Stop." The rapper's performance was met with thunderous applause from the crowd. "I'm just trying to bring the heat every time I step on that stage," Rhymes said in an interview with Billboard.
The VMAs have long been considered the "Super Bowl for youth," and this year's broadcast marked a significant expansion of its reach, airing live on CBS and Paramount for the first time. The move aims to attract a broader audience, including those who may not typically tune into MTV.
According to CBS, last year's 40th anniversary broadcast delivered its biggest multi-network audience in four years and ranked as the most social VMAs in show history. "We're thrilled to bring this iconic event to a wider audience," said Chris McCarthy, President of MTV Entertainment Group. "The VMAs are all about celebrating music and artistry, and we can't wait to share that with even more fans."
The VMAs have become an annual tradition, showcasing the best in music video production and artistic expression. This year's event was no exception, featuring a diverse range of performers and nominees.
In addition to Carey and Gaga, other notable winners included Taylor Swift, who took home four awards for her "All Too Well" video; Olivia Rodrigo, who won Best New Artist; and Lil Nas X, who won Video of the Year for "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)".
The VMAs will continue to evolve in the coming years, with plans to expand its reach even further. As McCarthy noted, "We're just getting started."
*Reporting by Npr.*