Taylor Swift took home the top prize at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards 

Taylor Swift claimed the top honor at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, winning for her music video “Anti-Hero,” on a night filled with unexpected moments.

In her acceptance speech, Swift conveyed her appreciation, remarking, “I’m truly astounded. The significance of this being a fan-voted award holds immense value for me. It’s incredible to think that it was only a year ago when I revealed the ‘Midnights’ album.”

The awards show, which took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, was dominated by Swift from the very beginning. The first presenters of the night were none other than NSYNC, who reunited to present the Best Pop Video award to Swift.

Wearing coordinated suits, Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone, Lance Bass, Chris Kirkpatrick, and JC Chasez shared the stage with Swift. Bass even gave her a friendship bracelet, a tradition among fans at Swift’s concerts. Swift praised the group, saying, “You’re pop personified.”

Later in the evening, Swift returned to the stage to accept the Song of the Year award for “Anti-Hero” and also won the Best Direction award.

Swift walked away with nine out of the eleven awards she was nominated for, including the Artist of the Year category, which was composed entirely of female nominees, a first in VMA history.

Her collaborator on “Karma (Remix),” Ice Spice, was named Best New Artist and expressed her excitement by saying, “Oh my God, this is so cool. I just want to thank my munchkins.”

The event showcased a plethora of fresh music. Host Nicki Minaj took the stage to perform her most recent single, “Last Time I Saw You,” and also provided a tantalizing preview of an electrifying new trap song from her eagerly awaited “Pink Friday 2” album.

Despite Swift’s dominance, the VMAs showcased the global influence of music. K-pop boy band Tomorrow X Together and Brazilian superstar Anitta debuted their collaboration, “Back for More,” a glossy retro-pop track.

Another K-pop group, Stray Kids, performed “S-Class,” regional Mexicana star Peso Pluma presented “Lady Gaga,” and reggaetonera Karol G performed “Oki Doki” and “Tá OK (remix).”

Comedian Tiffany Haddish presented the inaugural “Best Afrobeats” award, which went to Rema and Selena Gomez for their massive hit, “Calm Down.” Rema started his acceptance speech by exclaiming, “Africa in the house!” and thanking Fela Kuti for pioneering Afrobeats. Gomez, standing a few feet from the microphone, joined in, saying, “I want to send all of my love to Nigeria. Thank you.”

Colombian icon Shakira received the Video Vanguard Award and delivered a bilingual medley of her hits, including “She Wolf,” “Te Felicito” (her collaboration with Rauw Alejandro), and the viral “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” with Bizarrap. The performance was introduced by her “Hips Don’t Lie” collaborator Wyclef Jean.

MTV received gratitude from Shakira, who had been a part of her career since she was 18 years old. She also expressed her love for Latin American people and her desire to move forward.

Shakira also took home the award for Best Collaboration for “TQG,” her song with Karol G, who celebrated the win by exclaiming, “Having an award with [Shakira] is something from another planet.”

Diddy was honored with the Global Icon Award, presented by Mary J. Blige and his daughter, Chance Combs. He becomes the third recipient of this prestigious award, following the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2022 and the Foo Fighters in 2021.

The legendary rapper also performed at the VMAs for the first time since 2005. He delivered a powerful collection of some of his biggest hits, including “Bad Boy for Life” and “Mo Money Mo Problems,” joined by collaborators Yung Miami, Keyshia Cole, and his son, King Combs.

Diddy emphasized the importance of love in his acceptance speech and expressed gratitude for being able to do what he loves for 30 years.

Lil Wayne kicked off the show with a performance of his new single, “Kat Food.” Immediately afterward, Olivia Rodrigo brought her “Vampire” music video to life on stage and then launched into her pop-punk single, “Get Him Back!”

Between the two songs, snippets of her chart-topping singles played aloud, and she was rushed off the stage in a planned “malfunction,” symbolizing her transition from her first album to her second.

The VMAs featured numerous live performances, including Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s energetic rendition of “Bongos” with elaborate choreography. Demi Lovato performed a rock ‘n’ roll medley of her biggest hits, and Anitta received the “Best Latin” award for the second consecutive year.

French Montana used his time presenting the Best R&B award alongside Ashanti to raise awareness for Morocco earthquake relief and pledged a personal donation. Montana, who grew up in Morocco, highlighted a relief fund.

The MTV Video Music Awards concluded with a star-studded finale performance celebrating 50 years of hip-hop. The performance began with Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five performing “The Message,” followed by Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick’s “The Show.” Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, LL Cool J, and DMC of Run-DMC closed out the performance with an energetic celebration of multi-generational hip-hop culture.