After years of absence, Beyoncé to wow MTV VMA audience
What's the story
Global music sensation Beyoncé is reportedly set to perform at the 40th anniversary of the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) in September 2024, per The Mirror. If true, this marks a significant return for "Queen Bey" who last captivated the VMA audience with her 16-minute Lemonade medley in 2016. Despite receiving nominations in subsequent years (2018, 2020, and 2021), she chose not to attend these ceremonies. Her participation could significantly boost the event's viewership.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Although the singer-songwriter was nominated among the star-studded lineup for the 2023 VMAs, her absence didn't come as a surprise, as she was then busy in her Renaissance World Tour. Setting aside her world tour commitments, the Grammy winner hadn't attended the VMAs since 2016, when she clinched her 25th Moon Person, breaking the record for the artist with the most VMA wins ever (previously held by Madonna).
Performance speculation
What we know about her performance
The specifics of Beyoncé's performance are yet to be finalized. The discussion includes whether she will perform a single track or deliver a tribute similar to her unforgettable closing act in 2014. That year, she was honored with the esteemed Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. The insider told Mirror that this year's ceremony aims to restore its reputation by featuring artists like Dua Lipa, Muni Long, and Billie Eilish over reality TV celebrities and TikTok influencers.
Historic achievement
Beyoncé's latest album 'Cowboy Carter' is a record-smasher
The VMAs will be Beyoncé's first confirmed performance following her latest record-making album, Cowboy Carter. It made her the first Black artist to top the UK charts with a country album. Interestingly, despite her long-standing career spanning nearly five decades, country music icon Dolly Parton has yet to achieve a number-one single or album in the UK—an accomplishment Beyoncé has now achieved with Cowboy Carter and its hit single Texas Hold 'Em.
Event details
VMAs will be aired in over 150 countries
The VMAs are scheduled to take place in New York on September 10, just days before the 40th anniversary of the first-ever ceremony held at Radio City Music Hall. Last year's top honor, Video of the Year, was claimed by Taylor Swift for Anti-Hero. Swift is anticipated to be a strong contender against Beyoncé this year. The event will be aired in over 150 countries and territories, reaching an estimated 319M households.